As we prepare for the 2015 Austin A-List, we wanted to highlight some of our past A-Listers. The A-List aims to capture the breadth and depth of Austin’s innovation ecosystem for emerging, growthand later stage companies. Our goal is to highlight as many great founders and thriving companies as we possibly can to help showcase Austin’s rich and diverse talent as we compete for global recognition and capital.

Today's post features TeVido BioDevices' CEO, Laura Bosworth. TeVido BioDevices is a privately held biotechnology company using 3D bio-printing of a woman’s own living cells – to build custom grafts for breast cancer reconstruction.

Why did you apply for A-List?

I wasn't initially familiar with A-List, but someone sent me the link to the nominations page. I thought it would be pretty great. It wasn't very obvious to me at the time what would come out of it, but am really pleased with the outcome and benefits.

What does it mean and what does it take to be one of the hottest startups in Austin?

I think it means the Chamber and the judges see a high level of traction in the company and management team. They are really looking for something innovative and different. Companies should have the potential to be a highly scalable business serving a national and even global market.

How did A-List impact your business?

The biggest thing for me is that the Austin Chamber has been instrumental in making sure we are aware of key opportunities that are going on. They've helped connect the dots with people in the new medical school to people in the industry, so we can form the nucleus of this new community. I'm not sure that without being on the A-List and having been connected with the Chamber we would be as plugged into the community. It's been a key benefit for us. For example, during SXSW the Governor hosted a key networking event at the mansion and the Chamber was instrumental in pulling that together and getting us there. I feel like everyone's looking out for me.

How has your business grown since A-List?

We were awarded grants from both the National Science Foundation and the National Cancer Institute. We competed in the LIVESTRONG Foundation Big C competition; we placed second out of 750+ global applications. Because of this funding, we've built out our own lab facility and we're now hiring. It's really exciting being a part of a burgeoning space in healthcare and medtech. We hope we're one of the first companies to start the wave of what could come out of this community.

Any advice for nominees this year?

Focus on your elevator pitch. Watch out for buzzwords. Make sure people understand what you actually do!

To nominate your company and learn more, visit the 2015 Austin A-List of the Hottest Startups nominations page. Nominations are open until April 24th!

Not a hot startup, but know an awesome candidate? Spread the word! Help us discover and promote the very best Austin has to offer.