The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has named CJ Scarlet, founder of Clayton, NC-based Tiger Eye Sensor one of 15 finalists in the InnovateHER Business Challenge. The wearable device the size of a quarter calls police and records video if a wearer hollers “help,”
The InnovateHER competition recognizes entrepreneurs who develop products and services that enhance the lives of women and their families. Scarlet is the former director of victims issues for the NC attorney general.
The 15 finalists were selected from 75 semifinalists by a committee of SBA officials. Finalists pitch their firms to a panel of judges in Washington D.C. May 8. Prize money for winners totals $30,000.
Apple Watch release delayed
You will probably have to wait until June to get an Apple Watch, if if you’re one of the nearly 1 million who pre-ordered the device April 10, the first day it was available. Apple has removed the April 24 date it previously said the watch would be available in its stores or for shipping.
Supply shortages are probably the reason, several news outlets speculate.
Dates for pre-orders of some models of the Apple Watch start in mid-May and extend into July.
Durham School of Science and Math lands Jack Kent Cooke award
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation has announced awards totaling $500,000 to selective public high schools in six states to support the schools’ programs that prepare academically talented, low-income students to get admitted to and graduate from these top schools. Combined, the grants will benefit more than 1,500 students in grades 6-12.
“The longer smart, poor kids stay in school, the less likely that they are to remain at the top of their class,” Harold Levy, executive director of the Cooke Foundation, said. “That’s a repudiation of the American Dream, and the foundation is determined to do everything we can to turn that around.”
The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham won a $99,007 grant.
Would you buy a used iPad from the Pope?
Pope Francis’ used iPad sold for $30,500 in a Uruguay auction, according to Reuters. Funds from the sale to an anonymous buyer will benefit a school for the poor in Uruguay.
The iPad is engraved with “His Holiness Francisco. Servizio Internet Vatican, March 2013.”
Republic Wireless to add additional carriers
Raleigh-based Republic Wireless, a service owned by Bandwidth, is looking for new carrier partners, Lauren K. Ohesorge reports in the Triangle Business Journal. ( http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/blog/techflash/2015/04/republic-wireless-bandwidth-sprint-new-carrier.html) Hitherto tethered to Sprint, the firm says its new programs will work with multiple carriers. The company’s phone plans are based on WiFi that switches to a carrier when you’re outside of WiFi range.
Steve Case, VA Congressman honored
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) honored Internet pioneer and Revolution Chairman and CEO Steve Case along with U.S. Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) for their instrumental roles in supporting and advancing technology innovation at CEA’s 11th annual Digital Patriots Dinner in Washington D.C. last week.
The Digital Patriots Dinner kicked off a week of exciting technology policy events in D.C., aimed at showcasing the importance of innovation to members of Congress and the D.C. tech policy community.
Steve Case accepted his Digital Patriots award after Shapiro noted both his crucial role in creating AOL, one of the great American success stories, as well as his many contributions to entrepreneurship by supporting pro- innovation public policy and entrepreneurship across America. “Entrepreneurs are alive and well all across the country,” Case noted as he accepted his award. “
