ATLANTA, GA–(Marketwire – Nov 8, 2012) –  Four finalists have been named for the Intel Innovation Award, a part of the 2012 Health IT Leadership Summit (www.HealthITLeadershipSummit.org) that will take place on December 4, 2012. This is the second year for the award, which recognizes companies developing leading-edge technology and unique approaches to improving health, as well as healthcare delivery and processes.

The impact of innovation on healthcare is a cornerstone of the Summit, which will feature two panel discussions focusing specifically on the topic. “Innovation: Improving Cost and Quality” covers the application of technology, analytics and automation to improve the cost and quality of care; and “Innovative Approaches” looks at how landmark programs are leveraging innovative technology to improve access to quality care, particularly for rural areas most in need.

The winner of the second annual Intel Innovation Award will be announced at the Summit. The four finalists are:

AirWatch (www.air-watch.com)
CardioMEMS (www.cardiomems.com)
Cooleaf (www.cooleaf.com)
Monocle Health Data (www.monoclehealth.com)

“The companies that have been named finalists should be very proud. It’s a tremendous honor,” said David Hartnett, Vice President Economic Development, Bioscience-Health IT, Metro Atlanta Chamber. “This level of innovation is representative of the technologies and advancements being made here in Atlanta, the nation’s health IT capital.”

“Given the number of quality nominations, it has been a difficult process for the judges,” said Wayne Myers, chairman for the 2012 Summit. “We saw very diverse examples of technology and marketplace innovation, each making a positive impact in regards to the challenges facing the health industry.”

The 2011 Health IT Leadership Summit brought together a sell-out crowd of more than 600 business leaders, healthcare providers, and public and private organizations. The Health IT Leadership Summit was created by three organizations, all dedicated to supporting the growth of the Health IT industry: the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Metro Atlanta Chamber and TAG Health, which is a society within the Technology Association of Georgia.

The Health IT Leadership Summit runs from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on December 4, 2012 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. Additional information and registration: www.HealthITLeadershipSummit.org.