SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwired - Dec 3, 2014) - Extreme Tech Challenge today announced ten startup teams (See below) that were selected to present live on stage at the world's largest consumer electronics show, CES, in Las Vegas. The top three winners from this competition, thanks to corporate sponsor, TIBCO Spotfire, will pitch Sir Richard Branson on his private island, Necker, in the British Virgin Islands. Nearly 2,000 applicants from 100 countries competed for top slots.
"The last selection was tough, as our contest has generated significant interest from high-caliber companies that represent the next billion dollar wave," says Kym McNicholas, Executive Director, Extreme Tech Challenge.
The Challenge is scheduled for January 8, 2015 at 2pm in the Marco Polo room at The Venetian. Judges include (CEA)® President Gary Shapiro, Priceline co-founder and former CEO Jeff Hoffman, founding partner at Pacifica Investimentos Veronica Serra, Venture Capitalist and BioHeart founder Howard Leonhardt, and technology evangelist Robert Scoble.
"We're excited to be a part of Extreme Tech Challenge, helping foster some of the most innovative startups in the world," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®, producer of the International CES®. "These entrepreneurs will compete live on stage in Las Vegas under the spotlight of the 2015 International CES, the largest, global hands-on showcase of emerging innovation. And as a judge, I'm looking forward to seeing first-hand what the next wave of billion-dollar companies has to offer."
Along with the chance to present on stage at CES, the top ten will receive $2,500 in Amazon Web Services Promotional Credit (
Other sponsors include Samsung, Voxer, Anews, Silicon Valley Bank, if(we), Cloudant, Softlayer. Social Media Marketing University, Right Source Social.
Watch interviews with Top 10 finalists: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhAVLc660EtpISrtCEfl15D4F2hPLOrgI
A word from Sir Richard Branson: http://vimeo.com/88474088
The Top 10:
Breathometer: First Portable Breath Analysis Platform.
Cambrian Genomics: Inventor of DNA laser printing.
Canva: Amazingly simple graphic design platform in the cloud.
Doctor On Demand: Largest and fastest growing Virtual Medical Practice with online office visits.
Eko Devices: Next generation medical device company, which has created the world's most intelligent Stethoscope.
FacialNetwork: Cloud-based facial recognition contact management system for your smartphone.
Ghost: Fastest growing Open Source publishing platform.
Skully: Maker of the world's smartest motorcycle helmet.
Skycatch: A drone platform for commercial logistics.
Wanderu: Rearchitecting global bus and train travel.
About Extreme Tech Challenge
Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC) is a unique competition, launched by MaiTai Global, designed to fuel the world's top emerging tech entrepreneurs and accelerate their success. Entrepreneurs enter for a chance to present live on stage at CES, to pitch Sir Richard Branson, to receive key infrastructure and investment.
About MaiTai Global
MaiTai Global is a gathering of extraordinary entrepreneurs, innovators and athletes who contribute their energy to a shared experience centered on the kiteboarding lifestyle and philanthropic endeavors.
About CES
The International CES is the world's gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. It has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for more than 40 years--the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace. Follow CES online at www.CESweb.org and through social media:
Note to Editors: The official name of the global technology event is "International CES®." Subsequent references to the event can be shortened to "CES."
Contact Information:
Contact:
Kayla Bongay
Trainer Communications
(925) 271-8213
info@extremetechchallenge.com
kbongay@trainercomm.com