In 2012, Harry A. George, co-founder of Solstice Capital, was named Arizona Bioscience Leader of the Year.  Watch his acceptance speech recorded live at the AZBio Awards 2012.

The Missing Piece – Access to Capital  Peter N. Allison, IDM Technologies  Jock Holliman, Valley Ventures Joan Koerber-Walker, AZBIO

For close to four decades, Harry George has been creating, capitalizing, and operating rapid-growth technology companies. A quiet, action oriented leader. Harry has consistently driven Arizona’s bioscience and technology sectors forward by acting on his vision with commitment, dedication, and determination. In recognition of his service and accomplishments, Harry A. George is the 2012 Jon W. McGarity Bioscience Leader of the Year

The Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC), powered by the  Arizona Commerce Authority , awards the most money in the country for a technology commercialization challenge – $3 million ($1.5 million twice yearly) to the world’s most promising technology ventures. Awards range from $100,000 to $250,000 per company. The results? A big-time investment in the most talented entrepreneurs. Bringing to market products that are literally changing the way the world works. Driving wealth and job creation for the state of Arizona. Are you up for the Challenge?

Arizona has one of the fastest growing bioscience communities in the US; annual total economic activity is now $28.8 billion. It has a particularly robust medical device sector, which constitutes 32% of Arizona’s non-hospital bioscience employment. With first-class research institutions and an industry spanning from one-person shops to industry giants, Arizona has it all.To support this critically important sector, the City of Peoria, Arizona, BioAccel and The Plaza Companies have created BioInspire™, an incubator in Peoria dedicated to medical device development that provides working capital and space to qualifying companies. More than just a facility, this collaboration was created to connect the medical device community.

There is a major shift occurring in our industries with companies large and small.  None of us are looking to go it alone in a world where new product development can range from millions to BILLIONS.    Again we looked to experts from the front lines for insights... Panelists:  Paul August, VP and head of the early to candidate program for Sanofi, US ; Babak Nemat of founder of  Strategic Intelligence and advisor to J&J, Bill Mulholland of Snell & Wilmer, Joan Koerber-Walker, AZBio (moderator) 

Funding Innovation in a Changing World: Moderator:  Kimberly Ha (BioPharm Insight/Infinata) Panelists:  Les Funtleyder (Poliwogg) and Cynthia Ekberg Tsai (Viropro)

The AZBio Awards are an Arizona tradition that recognizes the best of the biosciences, showcases our companies, connects our future bioscience leaders to today's. 

AZBio CEO, Joan Koerber-Walker shares highlights from  the 2011 AZBio Awards.  Meet some of this year's award winners.

Brain State Technologies  has a mission statement that is  three words: To Help People. The corporate headquarters is based in Scottsdale, AZ and has nearly 200 providers in 18 countries that have helped over 50,000 people. Lee Gerdes is the Founder and CEO of Brain State Technologies®  and the creator of the breakthrough neuro-technology Brainwave Optimization with Real-Time Balancing™, which helps people of all ages and conditions to overcome cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges and is transforming and likely saving lives all over the world.   The firm and its process have been featured on ABC, FOX, CBS, OWN, People, The New York Times, USA Today, PARADE, The Arizona Republic, BrainWorld, Frontiers in Neuroscience, and more.  Brain State offers a non-invasive process versus using drugs or surgery for a wide range of applications to overcome cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges including sleep disorders, alcoholism, meth addition, and PTSD. Their work has resulted in the largest relational database of brain patterns on planet Earth.  Brain State’s patent-pending procedure compares over 48,000 brain frequencies and its patented Relational Sound (Wave Aid) program provides for ongoing process support.  Committed to serving our veterans, the company offers pro bono services to soldiers with debilitating symptoms of PTSD.