Fargo, N.D. – Ergologistics, a start-up company at the NDSU Research and Technology Park’s Technology Incubator, has been named a finalist for the 2012 Edison Best New Product Awards in the industrial design category. Ergologistics, which manufactures products to reduce wear and tear on the bodies of workers who lift and carry materials, was nominated for its Lift'n Buddy mobile lifting device.

"I am extremely pleased to be a finalist for the 2012 Edison Awards in the category of industrial design,” said Aaron Lamb, president of Ergologistics. “This honor solidifies Lift'n Buddy's place in the market. Being in the field of this year’s finalists speaks well to the level of innovation we strive for. I am excited for our company, and our extended family at the NDSU Research and Technology Park’s Technology Incubator that helped to bring our product to market."

Along with Lift’n Buddy, other tool finalists in the industrial design category are a Kobalt 19-piece double-drive screwdriver set and a slice box cutter. Household-product-finalists in the industrial design category include a Dyson hot fan heater, TikTok + LunaTik and WordLock.

“This nomination is truly an honor for Aaron and his team,” said Brenda Wyland, associate director for the NDSU Research and Technology Park. “The finalists for this internationally renowned distinction represent the best of the best in today’s cutting edge innovation and design.”

The Edison Awards, which have been in existence for 25 years, recognize innovative products, services and business leaders. The awards are named after Thomas Alva Edison whose product development methods and innovation garnered him more than 1,000 U.S. patents and made him a household name.

The panel of judges for the Edison Best New Product Awards include more than 3,000 top marketing professionals and academics as well as professionals from the fields of product development and design, engineering, science and education. Evaluation criteria focus on concept, value, impact and delivery.

The NDSU Research and Technology Park and Technology Incubator are home to fast-paced, high-growth companies that promote technology-based economic development in North Dakota. Each of them has the potential to compete globally or is already doing so effectively. To operate within the park or Technology Incubator, a company must be involved in the advancement and development of new technology, be willing to establish a working relationship with NDSU and work in one or more of the following technology fields: material sciences, biosciences and life science technology, information technology, nanotechnology, advanced manufacturing and sensors/micro-electronics.