News Room
Innovation Celebration Finalists
Champaign, IL – The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, the University of Illinois’ Technology Entrepreneur Center, Research Park, Office of Technology Management, Office of Corporate Relations and Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership, along with Parkland College, Singleton Law Firm, P.C., IllinoisVENTURES, Fox/Atkins Development, LLC, Serra Ventures and Hanson Financial, Inc., are pleased to sponsor the Seventh Annual Innovation Celebration in recognition of those individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions, taken risks, and provided leadership to ensure the continuing economic success of Champaign County, the ongoing success of the University’s economic development mission, and the growth of entrepreneurial talent and energy in your community.
Innovation Celebration awards are not merely an award for accomplishment, but benchmarks of success for those outstanding individuals, organizations and corporations who are nominated and selected to receive these prestigious awards. Additionally, Innovation Celebration serves as a tangible collaboration between the University of Illinois, Parkland College and the community that clearly establishes the power of cooperation and united vision.
Ten awards have been established, recognizing the various ways in which individuals and organizations have utilized innovation, creativity, and leadership for entrepreneurial endeavor and economic development in the community.
Award Finalists
Innovation Discovery – University of Illinois Award
Brendan Harley
Gabriel Popescu
Yi Lu
Tech Transfer Award – University of Illinois Award
Vijay Singh
Dave Kranz
Diagnostic Photonics, Inc.
Innovation in Engagement Award – Parkland College Award
(Winner will be announced at event.)
Social Entrepreneurship Award
IntelliWheels, Inc.
Avicenna Community Health Center
Sarah Zehr & Alex King, CUvolunteer.org
Student Startup Award
Serionix, Inc.
Oso Simple Technologies
Effimax Solar
New Venture Award
Green Purpose, LLC
Sung Chul Bae
Nuvixa, Inc.
Entrepreneur Advocacy Award
James Economy
Liz Kellner
Andrew Singer
Economic Development Impact Award
Shahid Khan
Dr. Kevin Wan
Predrag Pega Hrnjak
Entrepreneurial Excellence in Management Award
Brian Jurczyk
Charlie Li
Pat Jeng
Longevity Through Innovation Award
Gene Zimmerman
Betty Brennan
Bill Cope
The winners will be announced at the 2012 Innovation Celebration, held at Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology on Thursday, February 23, 2012 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, award & program begin at 6:00pm. RSVP and learn more about the event & previous winners at www.innovationcelebration.com. RSVPs are appreciated, but not required.