AeA Celebrates Local Technology Companies at 10th Annual High Tech Awards; San Diego Companies Recognized for Outstanding Achievement in Industry and Civic Contribution.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 18, 2003

The San Diego chapter of the AeA, the nation's largest high-tech industry association, today announced the finalists for the 10th annual AeA High Tech Awards. On October 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Hilton Torrey Pines in La Jolla, local technology companies will be recognized for their achievements in technological innovation, civic contributions and industry accomplishments.

The 2003 High Tech Awards features a "Celebrate Success" theme as this year marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of AeA and the 10th anniversary of the San Diego High Tech Awards. More than 500 AeA members and non-members will come together to acknowledge the successes of local technology companies from a diverse set of categories such as software, semiconductors and outstanding emerging growth.

"The number and quality of the entrants for this year's awards proves that the San Diego high tech community continues to be a leader in innovation and advancement for the technology industry as a whole," said Richard Campbell, chair of the AeA Awards Committee and partner at Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear, LLP.

"The AeA is pleased to show our ongoing commitment to providing critical services that directly impact the growth and profitability of San Diego companies," said Kevin Carroll, AeA executive director. "This year's AeA High Tech Awards celebrates and honors the success of these companies."

The finalists for this year's 2003 High Tech Awards are:

Software/Internet: Captiva Software, Imageware Systems, Mitek Systems, MUSICMATCH and Profitline

Computers & Related Products: Continuous Computing, Promicro Systems, Tarari Inc. and Wintriss Engineering

Communications Products & Services: JABRA, Tachyon, ViaSat and WFI 

Technology/IT Services: Abaris Technologies, DataSkill, Kinzan and Predicate Logic Software Systems

Semiconductors, Industrial & Analytical Instrumentation: Hardy Instruments, ISE Research, Maxwell Technologies and Palomar Technologies

Medical Device/Instrumentation: Digirad, Discovery Partners, Illumina, INNERCOOL Therapies and RoboDesign International Inc.

Outstanding Emerging Growth: CineForm, ID Analytics, Inasoft and Preventsys Inc.

The judges for this year's event include a cross section of local technology leaders. All winners will be announced at the High Tech Awards luncheon on October 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The 2003 10th Annual AeA High Tech Awards are sponsored by Comerica Bank-Technology & Life Sciences Division, CMTC, DEFCOMM, Deloitte & Touche, Fleishman-Hillard International Communications, Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP and Marsh. Media sponsors include, Satellite Video Productions (SVP), SignOnSanDiego.com and the T-Sector.

To purchase an individual seat or a table of 10 for the 2003 AeA High Tech Awards luncheon, or for more information about the awards, visit AeA's Web site at www.aeanet.org/sandiego or call 858-452-9288.

Advancing the business of technology, AeA is the nation's largest high-tech trade association. AeA represents more than 3,000 companies with 1.8 million employees. These 3,000+ companies span the high-technology spectrum, from software, semiconductors, medical devices and computers to Internet technology, advanced electronics and telecommunications systems and services. With 17 regional U.S. councils and offices in Brussels and Beijing, AeA offers a unique global policy grassroots capability and a wide portfolio of valuable business services and products for the high-tech industry. AeA has been the accepted voice of the U.S. technology community since 1943.