innovate arkansas

The Arkansas Economic Acceleration Foundation on Thursday honored entrepreneurial college and graduate students with the annual Donald W. Reynolds Governor's Cup awards.
The awards honor student business plans with cash awards and recognition. Business proposals by undergraduate and graduate students were each awarded with first, second and third place cash prizes, as well as special awards from Acxiom Corp. of Little Rock and AT&T.
Thursday's awards ceremony during a luncheon at the Statehouse Convention Center also included a keynote address from William Harrison Jr., chairman of the board for JPMorgan Chase. During his remarks, Harrison talked about the importance of embracing globalization and its benefits. He urged business and political leaders to resist the urge to isolate the nation's economy.
"We must learn how to compete, not hide behind a wall or barrier," Harrison said.
Thursday's award winners:

Undergraduate
First Place: Lucina, John Brown University – A company that would design and make baby care products that are "safe and efficient." ($20,000)

Second Place: Innovative Measurement Technology, John Brown University – A company that would develop a monitor for feed bins. ($10,000)

Third Place: New Horizon Biofuels, University of Arkansas – A company that would sell biofuels and advance research of alternative fuels. ($5,000)

AT&T Undergraduate Innovation Award: Innovative Measurement Technology, John Brown University

Graduate
First Place: GaurdIn Fresh, University of Arkansas – A company that would provide "innovative packaging solutions" for fresh produce. ($20,000)

Second Place: Compello Rx, University of Arkansas – A broker to help hospital pharmacies overcome regulatory hurdles and staffing shortages. ($10,000)

Third Place: Dynamic Airport Systems, University of Arkansas at Little Rock – A company that would help airports enhance efficiency and profitability in everything from management to ticketing. ($5,000)

Acxiom Graduate Innovation Award: GuardIn Fresh, University of Arkansas