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Top 40 Innovative Technology Companies
Georgia's Top 40 Innovative Technology Companies Award
See the next wave of our state's industry innovators, as TAG showcases this year's "Georgia Top 40 Innovative Companies." Witness innovation transformed into action as it is happening right here. Be the first to discover who is awarded the highly coveted recognition of "Top 10" in all of Georgia, as chosen companies are given the opportunity to introduce their innovations to over 1,200 attendees.
Application Deadline: February 8, 2012
Click here to apply
To hear from the Top 10 and to see the Top 40, attend the Georgia Technology Summit on March 28, 2012!
CRITERIA
Application Deadline: February 8, 2012
Apply here http://www.tagonline.org/tagtop40application.php
The "Top 40" will be awarded based on specific criteria including; degree of innovation, scope and financial impact of innovation, likelihood of success, and promotion of Georgia's innovative efforts nationally and internationally. Eligible companies will be Georgia based, and be viewed as "technology" focused (in other words the companies primary focus would be the development and dissemination of technology).
From the "Top 40", the Selection Committee will also choose the Top 10 Most Innovative technology companies, which will present to the Summit’s 700+ attendees at the event. The "Top 40" companies will participate in an exhibition at the Summit, expected to draw the State's technology leaders.
Top 40 FAQ's
Please see below for Top 40 FAQs
Q. Is there a fee to apply to be a Top Innovative Company?
Answer: No. Applying to be a Top 40 company is free of charge.
Q. Is there a fee if we are selected?
Answer: There is no charge for selected companies that qualify for a scholarship, as discussed below. If your company is selected and does not qualify for a scholarship, you will need to purchase a display table at the Georgia Technology Summit, as the intent of the awards is to showcase Georgia innovation at the Summit. The cost for a display table is $1,000, which is considerably less than what would generally be charged for a presence at an event of this size, and two seats to the Summit are included which is an approximate $200 in value as well. If you need additional seats, these are available at discounted rates for the Top 40 companies ($1,200 for a display table and 5 seats, etc.)
Q. Can I be a Top 40 company and not purchase a table?
Answer: No, unless you qualify for a scholarship (see next Q&A). The purpose of having the Top 40 program is to display them at the Georgia Technology Summit for all to see. We select 40 companies because the venue can accommodate 40 display tables, and we want 40 companies to be able to take advantage of the opportunity. Therefore, we ask that in advance of applying you consider all of the benefits of being a Top 40 company and make sure that you see it as having at least $1,000 in value to your company. We would suggest looking into the cost of having a display at other trade-type shows, doing a quick Google search on key phrases such as “innovative + Georgia” and “top + technology + Georgia” to see how past winners have leveraged being honored, etc.
Q. Okay we’ve investigated it, and we agree it is worth a lot more than $1,000, but we don’t have $1,000. Tell us about TAG's scholarship program.
Answer: Each year, TAG sets aside scholarship funds and positions on the Top 40 for up to 10 companies that qualify for the honor but can’t afford to pay for their display table. TAG does this in recognition of how important pre-revenue companies are to the local innovative and competitive landscape. A winner's qualification for a scholarship will be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee. Only winners who (i) have received an aggregate of less than $250,000 in financing and (ii) have FY 2010 revenue of less than $1,000,000 will be eligible for a scholarship. Please indicate in advance if you believe you qualify and would like to be considered for one of the scholarships.
Q: We see the value, and I don’t think my company would qualify for a scholarship because of our revenue, but we don’t want to spend $1,000 on a display table at the Georgia Technology Summit. Should we still apply?
Answer: The top 40 Awards may not be for you. The Technology Association of Georgia and our partners have several programs that are directed towards innovative companies that have no cost associated with them (the GRA/TAG Business Launch Competition, Venture Atlanta, etc.) or a minimal cost associated with the (CapVenture, etc.) We would encourage you to take advantage of these programs and just plan on enjoying the Georgia Technology Summit as an attendee, along with the rest of the technology community.
