During our time with the PIPELINE teams, we got to learn a lot about the program from PIPELINE CEO Joni Cobb.   Our window into the program was brief but clear: the program combines working on the business with working in the business.  The entrepreneurs are given the guidance to lead their companies more effectively and prodded the hit critical milestones precisely.  Among the many non-profit and government-funded startup accelerators we’ve studied, PIPELINE is a model to emulate.

Far away from the buzz and energy of any recognized tech center, the companies of the PIPELINE program have achieved a measure of experience and success that would set them apart and above the crowded startup landscapes around the U.S.

And did I mention, PIPELINE is in Kansas.  Not exactly the hotbed of innovation, some would say. Yet these eight companies are, simply put, inspiring.  For the most part, they’ve built their businesses with a scrappy mixture of hard work, optimism, and an exacting focus on their customers’ needs.  Few of the eight have taken professional venture capital, yet all of them present smart investment opportunity.

On Thursday night, one of them will be crowned Innovator of the Year. By any measure, it’s going to be a tough competition.  Guidewire Group wishes each of these companies best of luck at the award ceremony on Thursday, and we wish them every success in the future. (UPDATE: Farms Tech CEO Jason Tatge was named Innovator of the Year at the PIPELINE gala celebration on January 21. – ed.)

As part of our workshop, we provided a G/Score assessment for each company.  Here are the eight companies:
Emerge Medical Solutions, LLC
Lenexa, Kansas
Jerry Calovich, C0-founder

The company  has created a new and clinically proven approach to improve the quality of healthcare delivered to patients with cardiovascular disease.  Emerge Medical Solutions G/Score

EcoFit Lighting
Lenexa, Kansas
Cason Coplin, President

EcoFit Lighting designs, manufactures and markets high-output, energy-efficient LED streetlights that can be retro fit with existing utility lighting fixtures.  EcoFit Lighting G/Score.

iSi Recycling Services
Wichita, Kansas
Gary Mason, Founder & CEO

A spin out of iSi Environmental Services, this company has developed a process for creating active carbon from carbon fiber manufacturing waste.  iSi Recycling Services G/Score

Robotzone, LLC
Winfield, Kansas
Brian Pettey, Founder & CEO

Robotzone designs and develops robots and robotic components for commercial, industrial and military applications, and has developed a new robotic camera platform for the film and video industry. Robotzone G/Score

AthletixNation, Inc.
Lenexa, Kansas
Davyeon Ross,  Founder & CEO

The company  has acquired a multi-year license to publish and distribute Division I college sports video content to media properties and sports Internet sites via its multimedia content and advertising platform.  AthletixNation G/Score

BRKZ Corp.
Overland Park, KS
Chris Routh President & CEO
BRKZ creates game changing internet properties, such as   Hurox.com, a groundbreaking online social marketplace allowing talented individuals to market and sell their digitally created online content to the masses, and FreshlyBranded.com, a marketing services marketplace. FreshlyBranded.com G/Score

Orbis BioSciences
Kansas City, Kansas
Maria Stecklein, VP Business Development

Orbis Biosciences offers clients a new way to create microparticles that gives unprecedented control of release rate with any material. Orbis BioSciences G/Score

Farms Technology, LLC
Lenexa, Kansas
Jason Tatge, CEO

Based on its Dynamic Pricing Platform and Pioneer MarketPoint, the company makes commodity trading more efficient by offering automated marketing tools to farmers and grain buyers. Farms Technology G/Score