Connecticut Innovations, the state’s quasi-public authority responsible for technology investing and innovation development, hosted its annual technology celebration recently, with the theme “Empowering Innovation: Creating Success.”
“In addition to being an outstanding opportunity to share ideas and foster new partnerships, this year’s event was also a great opportunity for CI to celebrate our portfolio companies’ many successes in 2007,” said Peter Longo, president and executive director of CI. “These entrepreneurs make the tech economy in Connecticut work; their accomplishments ultimately translate into successes for the state.”
The event was held at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington, and drew more than 350 members of the state’s technology community.
“Despite the struggling national economy, Connecticut’s entrepreneurial community is as active as ever and we are optimistic about the future of the state’s tech sector,” said Longo.
“The strength of our investment pipeline is evidence of the abundant tech activity in our state, and we look forward to supporting promising innovators with our investments.”
In 2007 CI successfully recruited, from other states and abroad, Cara Therapeutics, Ipsogen, Keisense, LegiTime Technologies, RemoTV, Retail Optimization and Stevens Proof of Concept.
Travelocity founder and former CEO Terry Jones served as the event’s keynote speaker, sharing insights into how leadership is changing in the new, technology-driven world.
“It was great to speak tonight to such a collection of dynamic companies on how to preserve and extend the innovative spirit that has been fostered within their organizations,” said Jones. “Connecticut Innovations should be proud of how it provides strong support to Connecticut’s tech innovators. It serves as a great example of how government can play a vital role in growing the tech economy.”
