Yes it’s that time of year again and the finalists for EyeforTravel’s 2016 start-up and innovation awards have been announced

In less than two weeks, at EyeforTravel North America, seven innovators and start-ups will take to the stage to battle it out for the top prize in the Start-Up & Innovation in Travel Awards.

A regular competition on the EyeforTravel calendar, previous entrants have included the likes of Room 77, HotelTonight and Hipmunk – the latter, just for the record, was recently snapped up by travel and expense management firm Concur.

Not only have previous entrants received funding as a result of the awards, they have also had the opportunity to meet and do business with travel industry peers.

From revenue management, artificial intelligence and pet sitting - yes the sharing economy’s answer to a traditional pet hotel - the range of companies competing this year is as diverse as the rapidly changing travel and hospitality sector. All have their work cut out. Attracting capital and generating a buzz around a product are today among the big challenges facing start-ups today.

But question is: do our finalists this year have what it takes? Here are the firms in the running.

Beyond Pricing - Revenue management and dynamic pricing software for the $100 bn vacation rental and home sharing market
Clairifai - An artificial intelligence company that excels in image and video recognition, solving real-world problems for businesses and developers alike
Neiribi Analytics - Helps hotels quickly identify and take advantage of upcoming demand pockets to get an edge on the competition
RueBaRue - Top attractions, travel guides and trip ideas all in one app
Travelaer - Customer-centric software for airlines
Trusted Housesitters - Helps pet owners find someone to care for their home and pets for free, in exchange for a place to stay
YANA Trip - a Korean global Online Travel Agency that offers various adventures, activities and local tours for F.I.T throughout the world

Says EyeforTravel’s Managing Director Tim Gunstone: ‘This competition is an unbeatable space for brands that are innovating and improving the travel experience to promote their product to investors, experts and the industry. We look forward to hearing their pitches”.

In Las Vegas successful firms will stand before an experienced panel of judges and investors; the names involved this year are Terry Jones, Executive Chairman Wayblazer and Founding Chairman Kayak.com,Saad Siddiqui, Investor, Edgewood Management, George R. Arabian, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Steelhead Ventures and Tim Henstchel, CEO, HotelPlanner.

Just two will be selected in the final stage where they will present to during the keynote address on Day 2 to some 450+ senior executives from leading travel brands including Priceline, American Airlines, Hyatt Hotels, TripAdvisor, Skyscanner and Southwest Airlines. The decision will then go to the wire in a live vote.

While only one firm can take home the crown, all shortlisted applicants will receive advice, exposure, and potentially, funding to take their businesses to the next level.

EyeforTravel recognises that budgets for start-ups can be tight and provides a subsidised rate of $1295 to attend both days of EyeforTravel North America For all event enquiries contact: Julia Heighton +44 (0)207 375 7229| (USA Toll Free) 1 800 814 3459 ext. 7229 or julia@eyefortravel.com