Today, TechPoint is announcing that we received a record-breaking 170 applications for this year's 15th annual Mira Awards program — 50 more than last year — totaling a 40 percent increase over the previous record.

 
Also of note, nearly half of the applications this year came from first-time companies, schools, organizations and individuals who had never before entered the Mira Awards. Both statistics are positive indicators of the strength and momentum of Indiana’s tech sector.
 
“The tech sector has been building some serious momentum, especially over the past five years with 12 homegrown companies being acquired or going public, creating $4.5 billion in market cap and thousands of new jobs,” said Mike Langellier, president and CEO of TechPoint. “The Mira Awards exist to validate, celebrate and evangelize these successes and many more. It’s truly the biggest stage for tech in Indiana, and the community is responding to the tremendous media exposure – both locally and nationally – and valuable brand equity gained by participating.”
 
More than 40 independent subject matter experts, who serve as judges, are in the process of evaluating and scoring the 170 applications. The scoring determines which applicants will become official 2014 Mira Awards nominees. Nominees will deliver presentations and answer questions in-person with one of the independent judging panels in March, and then the judges select the winners following their deliberations.
 
Winners will be announced at a “Gatsby-themed,” black-tie awards ceremony and gala featuring an interactive dinner, live music and an after party on Saturday, May 3, at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis. TechPoint is describing the event as a mash-up of “Roaring Twenties” energy meets the state’s vibrant 21st Century startup and tech ecosystem.
 
TechPoint added an after party with a live band to the event last year along with other fun, energized touches and enhanced production values that helped draw the largest crowd ever – 1,000 attendees – and by all accounts the most fun Mira Awards in recent memory. 
 
 
Early-bird and “Under 30” tickets are on sale now at techpoint.org.
 
Sponsorship opportunities, such as platinum, gold or silver level packages that include group tickets, are also available. Creative and customized sponsorships including ice sculptures, live entertainment, specialty drinks, candy and cupcake buffets and more are possible by contacting Annie Grinstead at annie@techpoint.org or call 317-490-4727.
 
 
WATCH VIDEO: Learn more about the Mira Awards and the benefits and advantages of being a sponsor.