A business that leverages virtual process analysis to accelerate digital transformation through imitation learning is one of three startups to win ISG Startup Challenges at events hosted this fall by Information Services Group (ISG) (Nasdaq: III), a leading global technology research and advisory firm. FortressIQ, the San Francisco-based startup that uses AI-based computer vision to "learn" business tasks as they occur in real time, won the ISG Startup Challenge at the inaugural ISG Agile Enterprise Summit October 28 in Boston. Beth Bourg, FortressIQ's marketing director, delivered the winning pitch to an independent panel of judges, and was chosen the winner in a live audience poll. "The first-ever ISG Agile Enterprise Summit explored the benefits of becoming an agile organization and building a culture of continuous improvement," said Karen Healy, partner and global leader, ISG Events. "We were thrilled to hear compelling pitches on emerging solutions that increase efficiency and agility in new and exciting ways. The audience choice, FortressIQ, offers an innovative, automated solution to discover and document processes that are ripe for automation, saving both time and money."

Folks, I've been a partner in Women Who Tech's Women Startup Challenge since they first launched this great initiative 18 months ago. They've been really serious and effective, helping to showcase and fund the best early stage women-led startups. This time around, I'm co-sponsoring with investors Fred and Joanne Wilson to award $50K as a cash grant to the winner of the 4th Women Startup Challenge focused on virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI). Global law firm Paul Hastings, LLP is also offering $35K in pro bono legal services. Great tech deserves to be recognized, regardless of gender.