The Innovation Showcase Highlights Indiana's Startup Ecosystem

Last week, we had the opportunity to participate in the Innovation Showcase at the Dellara Car Factory in Indianapolis, at the Speedway. What an amazing event! Startups from around the midwest drove adn flew in to showcase their technology.

From agricultural evolution and medical device advances in cancer tissue analyzation to software companies with new apps (like Virtual Halo) to a company that's invented a better toilet seat for people in wheelchairs. The 80 innovative companies given an invitation to exhibit truly were the Best of the Best as dubbed by the Venture Club of Indiana.

I'd like to give a huge shout out to the group at Elevate Ventures, and all of the Venture Capitalists and Angel Investors that attended the events. Those of you that met with us kow who you are; thanks!

The Innovation Showcase was the first regional startup event Virtual Halo has attended, but after winning the two events hosted in Peoria, IL in the past year, it was time to expand. The questions asked and offers made were nothing short of awesome and we are hubled by the excitement and buzz that's surrounding our personal protection app.

Safety Knows Fewer Boundries

Today, Virtual Halo is excited to announce that we've expanded our service into two additional countries - residents of the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic are now able to download the Virtual Halo app from their respective App Store's and utilize Virtual Halo's award winning services.

Residents of these island nations often feel isolated and haven't had a tool that could notify their trusted group of family and friends in the event of an emergency; now they do.

The outbound number that sends the text based notifications will remain the same at (309) 213-2823, which is the authenticated number that broadcasts all Virtual Halo based notifications.

Pricing for the app will remain the same - FREE for the download and to utilize the SOS feature; to unlock the enhanced features, including the Check In and Going Out modules, residents of the Bahamas and Dominican Republic will be charged the equivalent of $1.99 per month in their respective currencies.

Know the Risk - Raise Your Shield When Traveling Abroad

The Director of National Intelligence published a video today on things you should be aware of when traveling internationally. The video - while campy - is actually really good at listing precautions to take while traveling, including:

* Personal Communications with strangers
* Don't send privelaged information over the internet
* Don't leave electronics unattended
* Be aware of your surroundings

It's a quick and easy video to watch - what are some other tips you think people should take when traveling abroad?

Video courtesy of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence