Every spring, musicians, film directors, creatives and entrepreneurs of every stripe come together to celebrate their work, share their knowledge and rack up hipster street cred. Yes, we’re talking about Austin’s South by Southwest Conference and Festivals.
Yesterday, SXSW announced the finalists for its eleventh annual pitch competition, and four Colorado tech companies claimed spots on the list.
SXSW Pitch (formerly SXSW Accelerator) gives 50 startups from around the world the chance to demo their products in front of a panel of expert judges and a live audience. This year’s finalists represent a range of tech industries — from artificial intelligence and blockchain to health and wearables — and companies from each of the 10 categories will compete to win within their individual groups as well as for the coveted title of best in show.
So this morning, we’re highlighting the four local companies repping the Centennial State in Austin this March. Read on to learn more about the exciting tech they’re working on.
Category: Blockchain
Founded: 2016
Headquarters: Golden
What they do: Bext360 is bringing transparency to the global supply chain — from origin to consumer — using a combination of blockchain, artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. Its SaaS platform allows stakeholders throughout the entire agricultural supply chain to view and analyze data and gain insights into the sustainability, efficiency and fairness of the process.
Category: Enterprise and Smart Data
Founded: 2017
Headquarters: Denver
What they do: Geospiza takes a tech-driven approach to emergency response and management, helping emergency managers, first responders and elected officials make data-driven, evidence-based decisions that reduce risk and keep communities safe.
Category: Health and Wearable
Founded: 2018
Headquarters: Boulder
What they do: Using smart speakers like Google Home or Amazon Alexa, Triad Health AI is developing in-home exercise programs for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Its exercises combine movement, voice and cognition in order to slow or lessen some of the hallmark symptoms of the disease.
Category: Sports and Performance
Founded: 2016
Headquarters: Denver
What they do: Uru Sports connects athletes, coaches and teams across the globe through an online community aimed at helping people find playing positions, academic scholarships, internship opportunities and coaching jobs abroad.
