DAYTON, Ohio (January 23, 2018) – The search is on for the next great idea that could win a local business or individual $25,000. The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the 2018 Soin Award for Innovation.
“The Dayton area has a long history of innovation and discovery,” said Rajesh Soin, Chairman and CEO of Soin International. “We must continue to encourage our local entrepreneurs to build on this and create new enterprises, jobs and additional opportunities for this region. On behalf of the Soin Family, I am proud to support this annual award that recognizes the accomplishments of these individuals and businesses.”
The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Soin family have partnered to offer the Soin Award for Innovation since 2007. The winning applicant will best demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit through a recently or soon-to-be introduced product or service. The unique offering must have the ability to sustain long-term growth for the company, increase local employment and assist in the creation of economic prosperity within the Dayton region.
2017 Winner: DESiN LLC
Last year’s winner, DESiN LLC, took the top spot with their product, Obi, a robotic feeding device.
“This has been an incredible 11-year journey to go from my dorm room prototype to having Obi units manufactured and ready to sell,” said Jon Dekar, co-founder of DESiN LLC. “This award is a milestone for our team, but it’s far more important in terms of what Obi brings to people living with physical limitations.”
Dekar first had a vision for what would eventually become Obi while an engineering student at University of Dayton. His tenacity and enthusiasm for teaming with other Dayton region businesses embody the spirit the Soin Award for Innovation was created to recognize.
Past Soin Award winners include:
| 2008 – Mound Laser and Photonics Center, Inc | 2013 – UDECX |
| 2009 – IYA Technologies | 2014 – AAA Wastewater |
| 2010 – Composite Advantage | 2015 – NONA Composites |
| 2011 – Commuter Advertising | 2016 – Redwall Technologies |
| 2012 – NanoSperse | 2017 – DESiN LLC |
Selection Process
A selection committee made up of representatives of the region’s business and academic leaders, along with the chamber’s Education and Public Improvement Foundation (EPI Foundation) Board members, will choose one applicant to receive a $25,000 cash award and its accompanying public and community recognition.
Applications for the 2018 Soin Award for Innovation are due no later than close of business (5pm EST) February 16, 2018. The Soin family will present the Soin Award for Innovation at the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting April 24, 2018.
A link to the application is listed below:
http://daytonchamber.org/services/business-resources/business-awards/soin-award-for-innovation/
About Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce
The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce brings together more than 2,400 businesses and organizations in a 9 county area surrounding Dayton, Ohio. The chamber strives to improve the region’s business climate and overall standard of living through public policy advocacy, economic development initiatives and providing networking and training opportunities for its members. Nationally awarded with “5-Star Accreditation” from the United States Chamber of Commerce, the Dayton Chamber is widely recognized for its innovative programs and outstanding contribution to positive change in the region. Information about the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce is available at daytonchamber.org or 937-226-1444.
8 N. Main Street | Suite 100 | Dayton, Ohio 45402-1904 | (937) 226-1444
