The Atlantic Venture Forum has unveiled the 15 companies that will present at the 2016 edition of the conference, which will be held in Halifax June 22 and 23.

The list features eight early-stage and seven growth-stage companies, including representatives from all four Atlantic Provinces, and each of the major sectors, IT, biotech and cleantech.

As a member of the selection committee, I can say the process was rigorous and the competition tough. The 40-odd entries featured some really great companies, not all of whom made the cut. Even the seed-stage companies include some companies that are developing into dynamic enterprises.

You can register for the conference here.

Here is a complete list of the presenting companies:

Early Stage

Airbly, Charlottetown – Airbly has developed the Canairy Cockpit Monitor, which is installed on top of an aircraft's instrument panel to monitor the craft’s position, usage and cabin environment. Airbly is the only member of the current Propel ICT Launch Program to present at the AVF.

DMF Medical Inc., Halifax -- DMF Medical develops biomedical devices that make the process of delivering anesthesia safer.

Ella Online Marketplace Inc., Saint John – This member of the current Propel Build Program and Ryerson University’s Digital Media Zone has developed an online market place through which women can sell clothes they no longer want.

Panag Pharma Inc., Halifax -- Panag is developing novel cannabinoid-based formulations for treatment of pain and inflammation. Panag’s pipeline of products includes formulations for topical application to the skin, the eye and other mucous membranes.

Photodynamic Inc., Mount Uniacke, NS – The company once known as Fenol Farm, which won $100,000 at the 2014 I-3 competition, has developed hardware that uses a combination of light and natural compounds extracted from invasive plants to cure oral health problems.

Site 2020, Halifax – Working out of the Volta startup house, Site 2020 has developed technology that reduces costs and improves safety for signage crews on highway construction sites.

Woods Camp, Mahone Bay, NS -- Another member of the Propel Build group, Woods Camp offers an online platform that helps woodland owners understand the value of their land and manage their forest.

Zora, Las Vegas and Halifax – This graduate of The Mill accelerator in Las Vegas has developed a property management platform for landlords.

Growth Stage

4-Deep Inwater Imaging, Halifax – Recently funded by Chinese optics manufacturer Guangzhou Bosma, 4-Deep makes powerful electronic microscopes, and focuses on those that operate under underwater.

Athletigen, Halifax – Athletigen uses an online interface to present genetics analysis in a format that athletes and coaches, looking to improve performance, can easily understand and incorporate into their training plan. The company recently raised US$1.55 million in venture capital.

FundMetric, Halifax – Fundmetric’s platform uses data analytics to help charities raise more money. The company has recently been growing its client base in New York after pitching at an event organized by the Canadian Digital Media Network.

Gemba Software Solutions, Saint John – A spin off from New Brunswick tech company Innovatia, Gemba helps big business employees navigate their company’s operations. It raised $1.5 million last year from Innovatia and the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation.

HeyOrca!, St. John’s – The recent recipient of $650,000 in funding, HeyOrca! helps marketing agencies that manage multiple client brands to visually plan and seamlessly approve social media content. The graduate of the Propel Build Program operates out of the Genesis Centre in St. John’s.

NB BioMatrix, Saint John – The company, which won $220,000 in the 2015 Breakthru competition, is using nano-technology to develop a biodegradable, anti-bacterial liquid that can remove heavy metals and other pollutants from waste water.

PACTA, Halifax – The winner among the early-stage pitchers at the 2015 AVF, PACTA has developed software that helps corporations and other large organizations manage their portfolio of contracts. The company is pitching today at the Google Demo Day in Silicon Valley.