The New Hampshire High Tech Council (Council) is seeking New Hampshire-based organizations interested in applying for the prestigious 2017 Product of the Year (POY) award. POY recognizes New Hampshire’s most innovative products developed in the past year. It also provides a platform for entrepreneurs to receive free advice, major product promotion and podium time in front of hundreds of tech leaders. Finalists will present their innovations to a live audience on Thursday, October 12 at the Manchester Country Club in Bedford. Event attendees will help select the winner in real time.
“This year marks our 12th anniversary for the Product of the Year event and many past winners have gone on to leverage this prestigious recognition through increased visibility and new connections,” said Lisa King, Council board member and chair of the POY Committee. “This is an incredible opportunity that shines the spotlight on New Hampshire entrepreneurs and showcases their important innovations.”
The POY application period is now open and applications are available here. There is a $50 discount those who submit an application before August 1. In mid-September, up to five finalists will be selected by a panel of judges composed of entrepreneurs, investors and past winners, and awarded with POY Judges’ Awards. The Judges’ Award winners will then present their products at the POY event that includes an on site display and a seven-minute presentation to a live audience.
At POY, the audience is actively engaged and helps select the winner. After the presentations, audience members cast their votes for their top product. The audience vote counts towards 50 percent of the final tabulation, with the initial judges’ votes counts comprising the remaining 50 percent. The winner will be announced at the conclusion of the event.
As one of the major business events in New Hampshire, POY offers finalists and winners significant visibility through the judging process and product demonstrations, both at the event and in overall promotions. In addition, each winner is showcased at the Council’s display and on a crystal trophy at the new visitor center on Route 93 South in Hooksett. Past winners of the Product of the Year award include Wilcox Industries, Plexxi, Prosenex, Single Digits, Nanocomp Technologies, UltraVision, Insight Tech Gear, Holase Incorporated, Sky-Skan, Foss Manufacturing and Therma-HEXX.
Major sponsors include Oracle, Nanocomp, TD Bank, Newforma, FairPoint Communications, Cook Little Rosenblatt and Manson, Cross Insurance, Eversource, Single Digits and Hanover Insurance. Additional sponsorships are available by calling 935.8951.
The application deadline is September 1.
To learn more, contact Michelline Dufort at [email protected] or call 603.935.8951.