Five startups began working in April on rapid prototyping, branding, user validation and go-to-market planning as part of Tallwave’s High Tide startup commercialization program, which is a joint venture with Hansji Corp., owner of the Luhrs City Center. Two were eligible for $50,000 in seed funding.

Scottsdale-based HumansFirst Technology (and AZTC member) developed its HER app that lets people shop, book travel and check out using voice or text as a solution to shopping cart abandonment. “Think Amazon meets Siri” said HumansFirst Technology President and Co-founder Gregory Goehner. HER app is available now on iTunes and Google Play (http://www.hershoppingapp.com/) and generating revenue with Amazon, Expedia, Nordstrom, TOMS, Walmart and more than 50 affiliate partners.

HER app was just named a finalist in Smart City App Hack, a global program launched in Barcelona this year to empower people to create apps and solutions for cities around the world.  “It’s like the tech-Olympics,” Mayor Greg Stanton said. “Our strongest team will represent Phoenix at the final competition in Barcelona and demonstrate to the international community that our city is harnessing human capital for the greater civic good.”