Max Maile, Warsaw, recently received the 2014 Innovation Award for Healthcare in Fort Wayne. Maile owns the company Indicator in Warsaw that focuses on indoor mapping and proximity technology using iBeacons.

Indicator creates apps that work in conjunction with a network of bluetooth devices located in any areas where maps may typically be useful such as stores, malls, zoos, hospitals, or factories. Used in conjunction with smartphones, as an individual approaches a beacon, specific advertising, messaging, or maps can pop up on the phone.

This can be used in a variety of ways to improve communication with and engage with customers, employees, or anyone carrying a smartphone.

Indicator earned the award for an app created to assist patients and families to navigate large and complex hospitals. Relieving the stress and anxiety of patients and family members is the goal – because everyone feels an overwhelming sensation of being lost in the large medical complexes.

Eight outstanding northeast Indiana companies will be honored in November at a special awards ceremony for their innovative businesses, products or services. At the event, one of the eight will be revealed as the 2014 Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly Innovator of the Year.

All of the 2014 Innovation Awards category winners are:

-Emerging Company – 3BG Supply Company, Alex Smith
-Health Care – Indicator, Max Maile
-Retail – Memories of You, Dawn Blomeke
-Customer Service – League for the Blind & Disabled, David Nelson
-Sales/Marketing – Fleet Feet Sports Fort Wayne, Kevin Croy
-Professional Services – Advanced Media Integration, Martin Smanzenko
-Real Estate/Construction/Design – MKM architecture + design, Zach Benedict
-Technology – Adaptek Systems Inc., Joseph DePrisco

The category winners were selected by a panel of judges from a field of written nominations submitted online.

The Innovator of the Year will be determined after category winners make a personal presentation to the judges. Serving on the panel are Tiffany Youquelet, program administrator, Three Rivers Federal Credit Union; Sam Schenkel, senior vice president of operations for northeast Indiana, NAI Bradley; and Lucretia Cardenas, editor, Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly.