OTOjOY, an audio technology company, announced it was named an Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC) winner by the Arizona Commerce Authority. Ten local companies were chosen to receive up to $150,000 each in grant money.

OTOjOY is a technology company that specializes in hearing accessibility and consumer audio technology. Individuals can use their own hearing aids and cochlear implants to connect wirelessly to the venue’s sound system and receive “crystal-clear sound without any distortion or background noise directly into their ears,” according to the company’s announcement.

OTOjOY was one of 10 winners selected from 15 finalists with more than 80 applicants for the semiannual competition.

“We are thrilled to be considered one of the most promising and innovative startups in Arizona,” said Thomas Kaufmann, founder and CEO of OTOjOY. “Programs like this are extremely unique and the work of the Arizona Commerce Authority was genuinely one of the reasons we chose to make the Grand Canyon state our home. Having the local government support our work with this grant, outstanding mentorship and introductions to people who can help us continue to succeed is an incredible honor.”

This is the ninth year the AIC has supported the entrepreneurial ecosystem and innovative ideas. 

“Congratulations to our fall 2019 awardees,” said Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Each of these companies is advancing exciting innovations in digital health, wearables, fintech, SaaS, and more. We could not be more proud to help them scale and achieve success in Arizona.” 

OTOjOY’s first invention, OTOjOY LoopBuds, won a 2018 CES Innovation Award, an Edison Award, and was nominated for a Global Mobile award.

Source: OTOjOY

Image: OTOjOY website