In the News Index

Assure Controls Among the Finalists in CONNECT's 2006 Most Innovative New Product (MIP) Awards

Carlsbad, California, November 16, 2006 — Today Assure Controls, Inc. presented to a panel of twenty judges as a finalist in the CONNECT 19th Annual Most Innovative New Product (MIP) Awards. Twenty-five finalists were selected from more than 100 entries, the largest group in MIP's history. Innovations highlighted among this years' nominees range from technology in unmanned aircraft systems and water contaminant testing, to advances in the treatment of schizophrenia, diabetes and lung cancer.

Assure Control's QwikLite™ 200 Testing System is one of three finalists in the General Technology category. The CONNECT MIP Awards program has served as a benchmark for predicting the region's most successful emerging technologies. From early stage biotechnology companies; to the first products generated by the region's telecommunications boom, MIP has been an indicator of the industries and technologies that have stimulated the San Diego economy. "Our presentation was entitled 'QwikLite: Concept to Commercialization'," stated David Lapota, Ph.D., the original scientist responsible for the discovery of bioluminescent plankton as a rapid indicator of toxicity in water. "We are proud to be one of the Finalists and this acknowledges the innovation surrounding this technology.

The winners will be announced at the MIP Awards Luncheon, to be held Friday, December 15th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines. Finalists will also have the opportunity to display their products prior to, and immediately following, the awards luncheon. "The MIP Awards demonstrate the significant advances in science and technology that the companies in our region are making," said Duane Roth, chief executive officer of CONNECT. "It's important that we recognize the achievements that contribute to the development and commercialization of products that have such a positive impact, not just in this country, but on a global scale."

CONNECT is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating and sustaining the growth of innovative technology and life science businesses in San Diego. Since 1985, CONNECT has assisted in the formation and development of over 1,000 companies and is widely regarded as the nation's most successful regional program linking inventors and entrepreneurs with the resources they need for success.

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