Eight Semi-Finalists Named for #RootsTech Innovator Challenge

A FamilySearch Blog post by Thom Reed entitled "Announcing the Eight Semifinalists for the $25,000 RootsTech Innovator Challenge" has been posted. The announcement states:

RootsTech, the world’s largest family history and technology conference, is pleased to announce the eight semifinalists in the annual Innovator Challenge. The Innovator Challenge is a first of its kind global competition to encourage developers to create apps and technology based experiences that will shape the future of the family history industry. Out of 51 total entries, these eight we selected by a panel of independent judges as worthy of moving forward in the competition.

One year, I participated as a judge in the competition and that was a very interesting and challenging experience. Here is the list of the Semi-Finalists:

Argus Search
Google-like full text search in historic and handwritten documents without prior referencing.

GenMarketplace
Find experts for your specific family history needs with Dutch auction pricing.

HistoryLines.com
An instant biography for any ancestor: Explore the lifestyles, places and events that impacted their lives.

Legacy Stories
Your stories making history.

Legacyshare
Where Everyone Makes History.

Lucidpress
Bring your family history to life with interactive stories that let your family discover their ancestors.

StoryWorth
The easiest way to record your family stories.

TapGenes
Personalized health through genealogy, health histories, & genetics to help families minimize risks & live well.

As the blog post points out:

These eight semifinalists are competing for 4 final spots to be judged during the live Innovator Showdown at RootsTech. New to RootsTech in 2015, the Innovator Showdown is a live event featuring the 4 Innovator Challenge finalists, 5 renowned judges, and $25,000* to be awarded among the finalist. The audience can tip the scales in favor of one entry as part of the People’s Choice award. 

To witness these top innovations, see these finalists in action and make your voice heard, register for RootsTech today and be sure to join us for the Innovator Showdown in Hall D at the Salt Palace Convention Center on Friday, February 13 at 10:30 a.m. 

* The $25,000 in total cash prizes is offered by MyHeritage (platinum sponsor), and Grow Utah Ventures, Hero Partners, IPOP Foundation, Sprint, STG, Utah Technology Council.