At CEDIA Expo 2023, the show introduced new residential technology brands through the Launchpad and TechStarter programs. This year, CEDIA Expo recognized Dejero with the TechStarter Grand Prize and Specifi IO with the TechStarter Best Startup Award.

Brands in the Launchpad were entered into the TechStarter Competition, presenting short business pitches to CEDIA Expo’s panel of industry judges, including Tom Doherty, director, new technology initiatives, for Home Technology Specialists of America (HTSA); Franklin Karp, founder of Franklin Karp & Co.; and Roberta Lewis, founder of Roberta Lewis & Associates. The Launchpad judges evaluated the brands’ product, innovation, opportunity, marketing, and sales strategies.

“The Launchpad and TechStarter programs have become pivotal for companies looking to launch their brands and gain exposure to the custom installation community at CEDIA Expo,” Jason McGraw, CTS, group vice president for CEDIA Expo and KBIS, Emerald, said. “We are grateful for our industry judges who generously donated their time to kickstart new brands and provide feedback and recognition. As a result, we are thrilled to recognize Dejero and Specifi IO for their innovation, strategy and excellence at CEDIA Expo 2023.”

Companies that participated in the Launchpad at CEDIA Expo 2023 include Advaning, Arsenal Cyber Force, BLINDSPACE, Dejero, Ezlo Innovations, Firewalla, Light and Shade Solutions, Mirus Development, Pure Fi, Specifi IO, Thingularity, Transformation Entertainment Group, and ZapperBox. The program culminated with the judges selecting the TechStarter Five, including Dejero, Firewalla, Light and Shade Solutions, Specifi IO, and Zapperbox. before the final selection of the Launchpad TechStarter Grand Prize and TechStarter Best Startup at the CEDIA Expo Smart Stage.

Dejero is the 2023 grand prize winner of the Launchpad’s TechStarter program at CEDIA Expo. Dejero Smart Blending Technology simultaneously blends together multiple wired and wireless IP connections from multiple providers to form a virtual ‘network of networks’. This results in resilient and reliable internet connectivity that can optimize audio, video, or data streams even when your internet performance is impacted—according to the company. Dejero says it is already “well established” with public safety agencies, NG911centers, broadcasters, various government agencies, and the military with mission-critical connectivity requirements.

Specifi IO—a software offering installers over 20 timesaving key features to accelerate system design, quotations, and more—was awarded with the TechStarter Best Startup Award. Founded by Matthew Booth, a former residential technology integrator, Specifi IO is a feature-rich choice for integrators looking to generate proposals quickly and accurately. Specifi IO allows users to access product images and specifications to provide a detailed quote that reflects a project’s technical requirements and aesthetic needs.

“It is an honor to be recognized as the TechStarter Best Startup Award winner at CEDIA Expo 2023,” said Booth, who also serves as managing director for Specifi IO. “The TechStarter Best Startup Award is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication, and it is a validation of our vision for the future of how SaaS can help the custom installation industry in numerous ways. We are committed to providing our customers with the best possible tools and resources, and we are excited to see what the future holds for Specifi IO.”

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