The annual Idaho Innovation Awards program is designed to recognize innovations throughout the state. As the state’s only innovation awards program, the Idaho Innovation Awards has recognized innovations exclusively in the technology industry. However, in light of the role that innovation plays in all of Idaho’s industries and business sectors, organizers have expanded the scope of the program. In addition to recognizing technology innovations, the Idaho Innovation Awards program now recognizes innovative professionals and companies.

2007 PROGRAM RECAP

During the second annual Idaho Innovation Awards, more than 50 nominations were received. Sixteen finalists were selected, and six winners announced. More than 200 individuals attended the Awards Luncheon held in September at the Boise Centre on the Grove. Attendees included leaders from Idaho’s technology, business and academic communities. The program and event received media coverage across the state.

NOMINATION CATEGORIES

Nominations in the following categories will be accepted to the third annual Stoel Rives Idaho Innovation Awards:

• Innovator of the Year
  Innovator of the Year
  This category is designed to recognize innovative business professionals; individuals who demonstrate innovative characteristics and thinking in their careers and accomplishments.
• Innovative Company of the Year
  Innovative Company of the Year
  This category is designed to recognize innovative companies; companies that have implemented an innovative business model, and provide an environment to support innovation in all aspects of its operations.
• Innovation of the Year: Commercialized Technology
  Innovation of the Year: Commercialized Technology
  This category is designed to recognize technology innovations from companies that have been established for more than five years and that are on the market, contributing to the local economy.
• Innovation of the Year: Early-Stage Technology
  Innovation of the Year: Early-Stage Technology
  This category is designed to recognize technology innovations from companies that are less than five years old, may or may not be commercialized, still in or just emerging from the R&D stage, or coming from a nonprofit/academic entity such as a technology transfer office.

JUDGING

Nominations are evaluated by the Stoel Rives Idaho Innovation Awards Selection Committee that is made up of Idaho business and technology leaders.

In the event that conflicts exist between Selection Committee members and nominations, members will provide full disclosure to the rest of the committee. Following the evaluation process, each Selection Committee member will vote on ALL nominations submitted in EACH category. However, Selection Committee members with conflicts will refrain from voting on nominations in the category that the conflicted nomination is being judged. Finalists will be notified by the end of September. Selection Committee members’ votes will be tabulated by a certified public accountant.

(Note: While the law firm Stoel Rives LLP organizes the program, no one from the firm votes.)

To submit an entry, or to learn more about the program, please visit www.stoel.com/innovation.

HOW TO ENTER

Click "Nomination Form" above to submit a nomination form. Submitters will receive immediate confirmation that a nomination was received.

You may also submit additional background materials to help the Selection Committee learn more about the nominated individual, company or technology. Examples of items you may wish to include are product brochures, news articles, photographs, diagrams or the names of and contact information for references.

Limit the additional background materials to five pages and email the materials to Tammie Brennan at tlbrennan@stoel.com. At the top of the first page of the additional materials, clearly identify the nomination category, and nomination name.

Please contact Tammie Brennan at (208) 387-4244 if you have questions or experience problems emailing your additional materials.

AWARDS LUNCHEON

Stoel Rives Idaho Innovation Awards finalists and winners will be announced and recognized at an awards luncheon held in October.