Indianapolis-based TechPoint is a stage one winner of the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2024 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition.
TechPoint, through the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, was awarded a $50,000 cash prize for equitable access to entrepreneurship. TechPoint won the award for its plans to launch an artificial intelligence innovation network for Indiana companies and organizations.
“AI is the most dynamic and impactful tool in the market right now, and we know Indiana has the talent, skills and opportunities to put AI to work in the most imaginative ways possible,” said Ting Gootee, TechPoint president and CEO, in a press release. “We want to ensure those working in this space have the support and network they need to keep Indiana at the forefront of this transformative technology.”
TechPoint’s AI innovation network will be modeled after the organization’s two other networks. Launched last year, the networks focus on founders and chief innovation officers.
“We’ve exceeded expectations for engagement of those groups, so we know we are answering market demand for support services in those arenas,” said Chelsea Linder, TechPoint vice president of innovation and entrepreneurship. “Our internal research is showing rapid growth in exploration and adoption of AI in Indiana, and we fully expect our community to be part of the evolution of AI for business use.”
A review panel of professionals in business, innovation and strategic planning selected the first-stage competition winners. Stage two offers an additional $50,000 to $150,000 in prizes for growth accelerator partnerships.
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Growth Accelerator Fund Competition offers prize awards for impactful and inclusive approaches to building an innovation support ecosystem. The goal is to foster partnerships that help launch and grow STEM-based entrepreneurs and startups.
TechPoint works with public, private and industry partners to promote Indiana’s digital economy and expand the state’s tech talent pipeline. TechPoint is the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership’s initiative for Indiana’s digital innovation economy and tech ecosystem.
The U.S. Small Business Administration works to help entrepreneurs and small businesses start, grow and expand their businesses. It offers resources and delivers services through a network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations.
