Several with Indiana University connections among nominees for 17th annual Mira Awards

Nominees for TechPoint’s 17th annual Mira Awards recently were announced, with several having Indiana University ties.

Presented by Angie’s List, Interactive Intelligence and Salesforce, the Miras recognize Indiana’s top technology companies, as well as individuals statewide who are involved in technology innovation. The exposure and prestige offered by the Miras are a powerful springboard for Hoosier entrepreneurs. Past winners have reported securing $250,000 in new venture capital, signing $1 million in new business, gaining national media exposure and even an invitation to the White House.

This year, a total of 98 nominees were selected by more than 40 experts who evaluated and ranked 168 applications. Later this month, all nominees will deliver presentations and answer questions in-person from independent judging panels, with the judges selecting the winners afterwards. The winners will be announced during a black-tie ceremony and gala April 23 at The Westin Hotel in downtown Indianapolis.

Among the nominees with IU ties are:

• DoubleMap (Company Culture of the Year): DoubleMap was co-founded in 2011 by former IU students Ilya Rekhter, Peter SerVass and Eric Jiang. The Indianapolis-based company currently has about 30 employees, with about 20 based in Indiana.
• Maggie Musgrave (Investor of the Year): Musgrave is an associate with the Innovate Indiana Fund and teaches entrepreneurship and venture capital courses at the Kelley School of Business.
• Dr. Kylie Peppler (Tech Educator of the Year): Peppler is an associate professor of learning sciences and director of The Creativity Labs at IU Bloomington.

A full list of nominees, some of whom share IU ties as well, is available here: