The Atlantic Venture Forum has announced the dozen companies that will present at this year’s event in Halifax.

The sixth annual AVF, which will take place June 28 and 29 at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, is a meeting place for Atlantic Canadian founders and investors from inside and outside the region. The two-day event will include pitches by six early-stage startups and the same number of growth-stage companies. You can register for the AVF here.

I was on the selection committee for these companies. While I can’t divulge any of the discussions, I can say this is a strong group. One company is on the cusp of listing on the TSV Venture exchange. Three have attended accelerators outside the region.  Entrevestor's data on the 12 companies shows that collectively their staffing rose by 50 percent in 2017, and they expect to increase staff by a further 54 percent this year. Together, they have raised almost $25 million in equity funding that they have publicly disclosed.

Here are the presenting companies:

Early Stage

Eyesover Technologies, Fredericton – Eyesover is a software development company devoted to real-time market and public opinion data. Its platform analyzes online discussions for its customers, allowing them to make decisions based on accurate customer opinion. It has attended the L-Spark Accelerator in Ottawa.

Global Spatial Technology Solutions, Ottawa – GSTS provides data monitoring and analysis solutions through the use of terrestrial and space-based sensors and communication systems. Its applications provide enhanced safety, security and operational capability in the maritime, environmental monitoring, and oil and gas sectors.

Loft1, Fredericton – Loft1’s software is used to transform any whiteboard markings into digitized script, eliminating the need to take notes or keep minutes.

Securicy, Sydney – Securicy is a software-as-a-service product that helps enterprises ensure they are compliant with their clients’ and partners’ cybersecurity standards. The company this year entered the Techstars accelerator in Boston.

Sona Nanotech, Halifax – Sona, which produces gold nanorods, agreed last year to merge with publicly listed mining concern Stockport Exploration and raise about $700,000 in a private placement. The merged company will focus solely on Sona’s core business of producing gold nanorods. If the deal passes all the relevant regulatory requirements, the parties say it should close within the next few weeks, paving the way for the listing on the TSX Venture exchange.

RetailDeep (formerly Skyline), Halifax – RetailDeep equips retailers with sensors that use facial recognition from partner companies like Microsoft, Google, Kairos and Face++ to help bricks and mortar stores offer a more tailored in-store experience. The company is hoping to enter the XRC Labs innovation accelerator in New York City.

Growth Stage

Appili Therapeutics, Halifax – Appili has been working to develop a portfolio of anti-infectious drug candidates. In October, Appili’s first drug candidate ATI-1501 received approval to begin clinical trials in both Canada and the U.S. It treats clostridium difficile infection, or CDI, in children.  The company raised $4.3 million in February.

BlueLight Analytics, Halifax – BlueLight, which has a distribution agreement with 3M Corp., began about eight years ago to solve a problem few dentists spoke about. The lights they use to cure resin vary greatly, and each model has to be used for just the right amount of time to cure the resin properly. Too long a time could adversely affect the tooth and too little would leave the resin only partially cured.

Celtx, St. John’s – Founded in 2000, the company has attracted millions of users who are film writers, designers, producers and others involved in “scripted media” like film, video, games, theatre and the like. The company’s breakthrough came when it launched its software-as-a-service product in 2012 and began to focus more on gaining revenues.

ProcedureFlow, Saint John – The company helps corporate clients (especially those with call centres) simplify complicated procedures for employees. ProcedureFlow provides companies with a series of flow charts and digital tools that help to train employees and let them find information more quickly. The company is a finalist for the Fundica Roadshow.

Somru BioScience, Charlottetown – Somru offers a range of products centred around antibody technology for research, diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The company uses a unique technology that produces antibodies that bind more readily with or draw greater responses from living tissue than other products. Last year, it signed a major joint venture with Radiant Pharmaceuticals of Bangladesh.

VineView (formerly SkySquirrel, Halifax) – The company, which raised $3 million to buy out its California associates in January, uses high-altitude images taken from airplanes to map entire grape-growing districts. It uses the images to analyze data to improve production in the wine industry.