Charleston, SC, November 17, 2020 – InnoVision awards recognizes innovation in South Carolina annually through its InnoVision Awards program. This year, InnoVision received a record number of applications reflecting both the strength of the innovation economy in South Carolina and the special circumstances of the 2020 pandemic. After a month of Meet the Finalists virtual receptions, sponsored by the South Carolina Research Authority, InnoVision recognized the award winners in a live-streamed Awards Celebration, sponsored by Contec, Inc. All finalists and winners were showcased with video highlights of their inspiring innovations.
 

The winners are….
 

The Dr. Charles Townes Individual Achievement Award: Dr. Shallaby W. Shallaby, founder of Poly-Med.
 

The Ibrahim Janajreh Young Innovators Award: The Clemson Covid Challenge Program, led by Professor Delphine Dean, Clemson University.
 

Technology Development Award: blinktbi
(sponsored by Fluor)
 

Technology Integration Award: Clemson University’s Composite Center
(sponsored by Immedion)
 

Small Business Award: Stand Yourself Up, LLC.
(sponsored by Kim & Lahey Law Firm, LLC)
 

Sustainability Award: tForm, Inc.
(sponsored by Milliken & Company)
 

Education Award: VR Mondi
(sponsored by Techtronic Industries Power Equipment)
 

Community Service Award: Union County Library System
 

Special Covid-19 Response Winners
 

Covid-19 Response - Technology Research: COVER Negative Pressure Chamber Project (Clemson University Bioengineering)
 

Covid-19 Response - Technology Deployment: Blue Eye Soft Corp
 

Covid-19 Response - Community Service: United Way of the Piedmont
 

A replay of the event featuring the finalist and winner showcase videos can be found on YourTube and via www.innovisionawards.org.
 

Each year, InnoVision Awards recognizes innovative companies and individuals in several categories: Technology Development, Technology Application, Small Business, Sustainability, Education, and Community Service. It also recognizes programs that teach STEM and innovation through its Ibrahim Janajreh Young Innovator Award and individual life-time achievement through the Dr. Charles Townes Individual Achievement Award.

After observing so many innovative responses to the Covid-19 challenge, the InnoVision Board of Directors added a special award category for 2020: Covid-19 Response. Once applications were received, they were divided into three categories: technology research, technology application, and community service.
 

InnoVision Awards, established in 1999, is South Carolina’s premier organization dedicated to the advancement of innovation and technology. InnoVision is the only program of its kind – a grass-roots, volunteer-led non-profit organization made up of businesses, organizations, universities, and individuals dedicated to finding innovation and technology in products, services, and education from across the state, and recognizing and honoring peers for achievements in their respective fields. InnoVision Awards are the mark of distinction for outstanding leadership, innovation, and technological excellence.