They’re being recognized as some of Alabama’s top innovators. Winners of the 2015 Alabama Innovation Awards have been announced by Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, or EDPA.

Sept. 2, a special luncheon ceremony will be held at the BJCC East Ballroom A from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. for this year’s honorees. The event recognizes the important contributions entrepreneurs, startups and innovators make to Alabama’s economy and new job growth. In order to win this award, the honorees had to exemplify innovation in the areas of job creation or solving a local or global need.

“We were impressed by the credentials of this year’s nominations across all categories,” said Angela Wier, vice president of EDPA. “The innovators exemplify outstanding achievement, and we’re looking forward to showcasing the winners and their accomplishments at this year’s Alabama Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference.   The awards are not just a celebration for accomplishment, but they also help EDPA discover companies that contribute to the diversification of the economy and the creation of high-wage careers for Alabamians.”

Alabama Launchpad helps high growth companies start, and grow in our state while supporting and advocating for entrepreneurship statewide. EDPA provides leadership and services that recruit new businesses to the state, retain existing businesses and renew Alabama’s economy by encouraging innovation both within existing industries and through the commercialization of new technologies.

The winners are as follows:

Corporate Innovator of the Year, large company (50+ employees)

• Integrated Medical Systems International Inc., Birmingham, is recognized by the healthcare industry as the leader for instrument-ready solutions that ensure patient safety and surgeon satisfaction.
  

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Jeff and Peggy Sutton, founders of To Your Health Sprouted Flour Co.

Corporate Innovator of the Year, small company (1-50 employees)

• Emergency CallWorks Inc., Birmingham, is a leading provider of Next Generation 9-1-1 and emergency incident management software for the public safety industry.
  

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Outstanding Achievement in Innovative Manufacturing

• To Your Health Sprouted Flour Co., Fitzpatrick, Bullock County, is the world’s leader in sprouted organic flour that has grown from sprouting in mason jars to having specially designed equipment to handle 70,000 pounds of production a week.

Outstanding Public-Private Partnership for Innovation

• City of Montgomery & Infinitus Energy, Montgomery, has partnered to revolutionize and transform recycling in the city through Infinitus Energy’s advanced waste process system.
  

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Tom Stanton, CEO and Chairman of ADTRAN

Lifetime Achievement in Innovation

• Gary York, Birmingham, is one of Alabama’s most respected serial entrepreneurs with three successful technology companies under his belt. His innovative solutions have enhanced routine outpatient healthcare, increased physician productivity and improved hospital profitability.
  

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Award nominations were solicited from across the state. Award recipients were selected by a panel of judges under the chairmanship of Tom Stanton, chairman and CEO of ADTRAN.

“We received an outstanding group of nominations this year. While selecting the winners was difficult, it was inspiring to see so many examples of innovation in Alabama,” Stanton said. “We are hopeful that by recognizing successful innovators through this awards program, we will inspire others with an entrepreneurial spirit to make a difference in our state.”