#demo2014

Cambrian Genomics

While there were some impressive launches at Demo 2014, Cambrian Genomics had our jaws on the floor. Cambrian Genomics has created the  first system for laser printing DNA - and the possibilities are endless. From making our poop smell like bananas, to creating bodily "alert systems" for critical illnesses, to building our own creatures, Cambrian Genomics makes creating and altering DNA as simple as printing paper - giving us full control over our biological destinies, and those of the next generation. 

This power surpasses all that humans have had thus far -- so naturally, the audience was itching with questions. When asked whether it was morally sound to "play God," founder Austen Heinz responded that it is a "fundamental human right to not only know your own code, but to personalize it." A Cambrian Genomics investor added that this is the inevitable science of the future -- and that to invest now is to be on the "side of the angels, rather than the devils."

It goes without saying that the medical advancements Cambrian Genomics would create are astronomical. But, of course, printing your own creature can't come without its controversy. So what do you think, techies? Should we be able to print DNA...organs...humans? Or are there lines technology simply shouldn't cross? Tweet us your thoughts @evol8tion -- we want to hear 'em.

Defy Ventures

You haven't seen true passion until you've seen Catherine Hoke speak.

Hoke, CEO, moved the room with her introduction of Defy Ventures: a character training program designed to transform people with criminal backgrounds into legal, successful entrepreneurs. In their own words, Defy "'transforms the hustle' of...formerly incarcerated Entrepreneurs-in-Training (EITs) by offering intensive leadership development, Shark Tank-style business plan competitions, executive mentoring, financial investment, and startup incubation."

Hoke's inspiring presentation included statements from two Defy Ventures veterans. One of them had transformed his interest in sports into an athletic-minded clothing venture. The other had extended a food business he had founded while in prison -- to create (humorously titled) "Inside Out Bars."

The amazing efforts of Defy Ventures alone deserved a shoutout -- the presentation was just icing on the cake. Tweet us or @DefyVentures with questions. And while you're at it, see if you can't get a free Inside Out bar...we're waiting on ours. 

Lions of Africa

Demo 2014 not only showcased emerging tech from the United States, but from all over the world. Thomas Debass, Managing Director of the U.S Department of State, took the stage to discuss startups' expanding presence in emerging markets -- and, following his introduction, the 4 winners of Demo Africa pitched their products to demonstrate the global passion for innovation.

The showcasing startups were proud representatives of Lions of Africa -- a startup-focused partnership seeking to enhance Africa’s innovation ecosystem by supporting 100,000 African entrepreneurs. The companies, whose focuses ranged from payroll management to mobile hardware, included:

Chura - a mobile-focused technology that easily connects mobile subscribers to all services in a single SIM card -- allowing users to share airtime across different mobile networks. (@chura_co_ke)

Nerve - Referred to as Africa's first real smartphone, Nerve designs and delivers convergence mobile devices for people in emerging nations. (@nervemobile)

Paysail - Facing the classically complicated payroll process head-on, Paysail offers an easy salary payment solution for African employers. (@happypayroll)

SpacePointe - a startup focused on helping African small business owners streamline online sales, and manage inventory at brick-and-mortar locations. (@SpacePointe)

Check out Lions of Africa on Twitter @lionsafrica, and watch the winning startups' pitch clip here.

Executive Briefs

If you thought startups held a monopoly on the Demo stage, think again. Brands shared a prominent presence at Demo -- discussing their innovative efforts during the Executive Brief series. 

Representatives from tech, automotive, clothing, and consulting companies alike all expressed an interest in startup-spurred reform. Ansgar Chorhummel (Head of Innovation at Dell; @chorhummel) and Phil Gerskovich (Zebra Technologies; @zebratechnology) elaborated on their respective interest in partnering with innovative technologies. Ron Guerrier (VP and CIO of Toyota Financial; @ronguerrier), built on that sentiment, stating that in-house startup technology was the key to discovering what was next for the brand as a whole. Joe Megibow (SVP at American Eagle; @megibow), spearheaded a workshop where emerging companies worked to tackle marketing challenges head-on -- and Peter Weed and Alex Ince Cushman (@alexincecushman) shared how McKinsey's free consulting helps DEMO companies gain traction.

We at Evol8tion are always excited to see brands' increasing interest in startup partnership -- so the executive briefs were a blast for us. @Startups​, if you think you have the next big thing for brand partnership, fill out a profile here and tweet at us! Who knows - it could have been your soulmate on that Demo stage. 

Demo Gods

Pitch categories at Demo included Wearables, Enterprise, Personal Finance, The Work Cloud, Internet of Things, Messaging, and more. In Demo's "go big or go home" fashion, winning startups from each pitch category weren't simply rewarded, they were deified. So please, take a moment to pay homage to your #DemoGods: 

Pathsense - the Mobile category victor, Pathsense provides accurate location data at a fraction of GPS' battery drain. 

Celect - the winner of the Smart Data category, Celect is a choice engine that leverages machine learning to optimize allocations and buying plans, personalizing them to choice patterns at the individual store.

Curb - the winner in the Wearables & Hardware category, Curb provides real-time, actionable information that helps users save money through smarter energy usage.

Ghostery - a global technology company that provides solutions for online transparency and control to individuals and businesses.

Student Loan Benefits - the 401k for student loans, so that companies can start helping their employees become debt-free faster.