WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — En’Urga, Kylin Therapeutics and Passageways, three Purdue Research Park-based firms, were named by the Indiana Economic Development Corp. in its second annual list of 50 Companies to Watch.

“These three companies represent some of the key economic sectors – life sciences, information technology and engineering – that will diversify and strengthen Indiana’s economy,” said Joseph B. Hornett, senior vice president, treasurer and COO of the Purdue Research Foundation, which manages the Purdue Research Park. “Recognition in the Companies to Watch program is a great honor for an entrepreneur, especially when you consider that nearly 450 companies were nominated for the award.”

The program is sponsored by the Indiana Economic Development Corp. and its Small Business Development Center network; Barnes & Thorburg LLP; KeyBank; Premier Capital Corporation; Katz, Sapper & Miller; Purdue University; and the Edward Lowe Foundation. An awards ceremony will be held Aug. 27 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis.

The Purdue Research Park-based firms included in the 2009 list include:

En’Urga Inc., which helps some of the world’s largest manufacturers, utility companies and government agencies maintain quality and efficiency while protecting the environment through its products and contract services in combustion diagnostics and combustion systems analysis.

Kylin Therapeutics Inc., a biotechnology company that employs an RNA nanoparticle technology platform called pRNA to exploit the enormous potential of RNA interference (RNAi) for treatment of many common diseases. This platform has enormous potential to meet the huge market opportunity for treating cancer and other diseases with RNA-based therapeutics. The unique capabilities of the platform have enabled Kylin to overcome the most significant challenges in the development of RNA-based therapies.

Passageways LLC, a leading portal provider to the community bank and credit union industry. Passageways’ mission is to provide an affordable portal strategy for financial institutions of all sizes, helping employees, directors and partners become more efficient in collaboration and communications.

Last year, Purdue Research Park-based companies named as Companies to Watch were Cook Biotech Inc., Endocyte Inc., Next Wave Systems LLC, Quadraspec Inc. and Simulex Inc.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — More than 220 applications have been completed for the inaugural Indiana Companies to Watch awards program, which seeks to recognize the state’s 50 most promising second-stage companies this summer.

Purdue University is collaborating with the Indiana Economic Development Corp. through its Small Business Development Centers and the Edward Lowe Foundation for the 2008 program.

“Indiana Companies to Watch will celebrate high-performing, second-stage companies from all across the state,” said Sam Cordes, associate vice provost for engagement and co-director for Purdue’s Center for Regional Development in Discovery Park’s Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship. “Known for their performance in the marketplace, innovative products, unique processes and other special strengths, these nominated companies represent a wide range of industries and a key segment of what makes Indiana’s economy globally competitive and strong.”

More than 420 nominations were received from companies in 66 Indiana counties by the April 25 deadline. Nominees and those applying directly had until May 9 to complete the initial application. The 133 finalists were selected in late May from the 222 completed applications.

Finalists completed a second-round application and are being reviewed by a panel of judges selected by Purdue, the IEDC and the Edward Lowe Foundation. The 2008 class of Indiana Companies to Watch will be recognized Aug. 27 during a banquet at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis.

“Awardees are chosen based on past growth and projected success, special strengths centered on innovative products and business practices, special use of technology, and work within their local communities,” said Gary Hentschel, president of KeyBank of Central Indiana. “These companies are making a significant impact on Indiana’s economy by collectively providing thousands of jobs and contributing billions of dollars of revenue.”

The top sponsor for the inaugural program is KeyBank of Indiana, along with Barnes & Thornburg LLP and Katz, Sapper & Miller. Other sponsors include Duke Energy Corp., Premier Capital Corp., Stuart & Branigin LLP, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, Vectren Corp., Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, Indiana Business Magazine, and media partner Inside Indiana Business with Gerry Dick.

“The response to this inaugural effort from all regions of the state has been outstanding,” said Jeff Heinzmann, director of the Indiana Small Business Development Centers. “The impressive list of applicants represents Indiana’s future economic growth in the life sciences, manufacturing, services and other sectors. We have a terrific story to tell about the dynamic future of Indiana’s economy and the essential role that second-stage companies play in building such an economy.”

Edward Lowe Foundation, based in Cassopolis, Mich., conducts research, educational and recognition programs for entrepreneurs and entrepreneur support organizations, with a focus on second-stage companies. Similar recognition programs are under way in Michigan and Arizona.

“Indiana has really raised the bar on the number of nominations and applications submitted from around the state,” said Penny Lewandowski, the foundation’s director of entrepreneurship. “This is concrete proof of the excitement that is being created statewide for their inaugural Companies to Watch program.”

To be eligible, companies must be based in Indiana, privately held, advanced beyond the start-up phase, employ six to 150 full-time employees, including the owner, and have $750,000 to $100 million in annual revenue or working capital in place from investors or grants. For more information, go to http://Indiana.CompaniesToWatch.org.

The Purdue team supporting the program includes representatives from the Center for Regional Development and the Burton Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship, the College of Agriculture, Krannert School of Management, Purdue Alumni Association, Purdue Cooperative Extension Service and Purdue Research Park.

The Indiana Small Business Development Centers offer free and low-cost information, management counseling and educational services to support the state’s small-business owners and potential entrepreneurs, boosting economic development and creating jobs within the state.

Edward Lowe, the inventor of Kitty Litter, and his wife Darlene established the Edward Lowe Foundation in 1985. They envisioned an organization that would leverage entrepreneurship as a strategy for economic growth and community development.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The deadline to nominate growth-oriented companies from across the state for the inaugural Indiana Companies to Watch awards program is being extended. The new deadline for nominating Indiana second-stage companies is April 25. Nominees and those applying directly must complete an application by May 9. The first class of winners will be announced and recognized Aug. 28 during a ceremony at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis.

Purdue University is collaborating with the Indiana governor’s office, Indiana Economic Development Corp. and its Small Business Development Center Network, KeyBank, and the Edward Lowe Foundation for the 2008 program.

Candiss Vibbert

“While the response has been strong, we also wanted to give those around the state more time to be a part of this inaugural program,” said Candiss Vibbert, associate vice provost for engagement at Purdue and associate director for engagement in Discovery Park.

To be eligible, companies must be based in Indiana, privately held, advanced beyond the start-up phase, employ six to 150 full-time employees including the owner, and have $750,000 to $100 million in annual revenue or working capital in place from investors or grants.

To nominate a company or to get more information on the program, go to http://Indiana.CompaniesToWatch.org. Those nominated by the April 25 deadline will receive an e-mail with instructions to complete an online application by May 9. Nominations can come from an outside source or companies can apply directly.

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