Research Tracks

A publication of the Office of the Vice Provost for Research at Baylor University

Greater Waco Chamber recognizes BRIC start-up with 2015 Business Innovator Award

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John Fitch, founder and owner of Birkeland Current, looks on as a machine assembles components of

John Fitch, founder and owner of Birkeland Current, looks on as a machine assembles components of the company’s automated proximity control system.

The OVPR joined business and community leaders from across Central Texas last month at a luncheon to honor the nominees for the 2015 Business Innovator Award. Presented annually by the Greater Waco Chamber, the award recognizes individuals or organizations that help make Central Texas a hub for creative excellence.

We would like to congratulate Birkeland Current and Pruf Energy Solutions on being named the 2015 Business Innovator Award winner. The two companies are working together to develop a wireless energy monitoring and control system that will bring energy savings through automated proximity controls and solid-state LED lighting technology.

The other nominees for this year’s award were: CollegeChoiceToday, Chariot Innovations, and Birkeland Current/Langerman Foster Engineering.  All four nominees are based in the Baylor Research & Innovation Collaborative (BRIC) and have participated in coaching provided by LAUNCH: The Innovative Business Accelerator.

Dr. Truell Hyde, Baylor’s vice provost for research, says the recognition of these firms is an important validation of the BRIC’s role in driving innovation in Central Texas.

It’s exciting to see the hard work and tireless support of so many in the Waco community coming to fruition in such a tangible fashion.  It’s also wonderful to see this occurring with the BRIC and LAUNCH not yet three years old.  As Baylor, the Chamber and the business community continue to move forward, I feel certain our best days are ahead.

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