Premier awards program recognizes Minnesota companies for technology innovation and leadership
Minneapolis —September 25, 2006—Starkey Laboratories, Inc., one of the world's leading hearing technology companies, today announced it has been named as a finalist for a 2006 Tekne Award, which recognizes Minnesota companies and individuals who have shown superior technology innovation and leadership. Starkey is a finalist in the medical technology category for its industry-leading use of nanoscience to create a revolutionary new hearing system that provides hearing aid users with more natural, more normal hearing—more quickly. The new Starkey hearing system includes the Destiny line of smart hearing aids, the intuitive Inspire OS software, and Starkey's proprietary nFusion technology.
Through the Tekne Awards, the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) and Minnesota Technology, Inc. (MTI), in partnership with LifeScience Alley, recognize technology innovators and leaders who have made lasting contributions to enhancing the quality of life and competitiveness of Minnesota. The awards are separated into both emerging and established company categories that recognize the best and brightest in the innovation, development, education, commercialization, and management of technology.
"It's a great honor to once again be a finalist for a Minnesota Tekne Award and to be recognized as a leader for our extensive work in identifying and applying new and existing technologies that improve not only a person's ability to hear but their every day life—technologies like nanoscience, which saw its first application in the hearing industry with the introduction of our Destiny hearing aids," said Tim Trine, vice president and chief technical officer with Starkey. According to Trine, Starkey was a Tekne Award finalist in 2005 for its use of stereolithography in its rapid manufacturing process.
Said Kate Rubin, president of MHTA, "Minnesota's Tekne Award finalists are recognized as experts and innovators in their fields. Because our state is privileged to serve as a home to many leading high-tech companies, it's an honor to be singled out and named a Tekne Award finalist. It's companies like Starkey Laboratories that continue to make Minnesota a great place to live and work."
Wayne A. Pletcher, Ph. D., president & CEO of Minnesota Technology, Inc., added, "We are proud to honor Starkey Laboratories as a 2006 Tekne Award finalist and are pleased to recognize their leadership in the industry."
Starkey is a 2006 Tekne Award finalist in the established company medical technology category along with Minneapolis-based Medtronic, Inc. and Minnetonka-based Vital Images. A total of 51 finalists were named in 17 categories. A list of all finalists and categories can be found at www.tekneawards.org.
The 2006 Tekne Awards will be presented on Thursday, October 26th at the Minneapolis Convention Center, beginning with a reception and silent auction at 4:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m. and the awards ceremony at 7:00 p.m.
About Starkey Laboratories
Privately held Starkey Laboratories, Inc. is a consumer technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minn. The company is recognized for its innovative design, development, and distribution of comprehensive digital listening systems. Founded in 1967, Starkey currently has more than 4,000 employees and facilities in 18 countries. Divisions operating under the Starkey Laboratories family of companies include Audibel, Micro-Tech, NuEar, Omni, Qualitone, and Starkey. For more information, visit www.Starkey.com.
About MTI
Minnesota Technology, Inc. (MTI) helps drive the small to mid-size manufacturing sector by selling greater efficiency tools, productivity and growth solutions, and cutting edge information at competitive rates. MTI operates as a private 501(C)3 organization, collaborating with the federal government, to provide a public service that stimulates business and economic development in Minnesota's manufacturing sector. MTI's staff includes competent, trained professionals with expertise in leading edge productivity tools and growth solutions who are committed to making Minnesota a stronger player in the global manufacturing matrix.
About MHTA
The Minnesota High Tech Association accelerates the growth, sustainability and global competitiveness of Minnesota's technology-based economy through public policy advocacy, member collaboration and education, and community outreach. MHTA is the only membership organization that represents Minnesota's entire technology-based economy. MHTA members include organizations of every size − involved in virtually every aspect of technology creation, production, application and education in Minnesota. MHTA works in partnership with AeA, which represents Minnesota's technology organizations nationally. More information on the MHTA can be found at www.mhta.org.
