SOURCE: Ahura

May 11, 2005 15:05 ET

Ahura Corporation Named a Red Herring 100 Company

Award Recognizes 100 Private Companies in North America That Drive the Technology Industry's Future

BELMONT, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- May 11, 2005 -- Red Herring announced that Ahura Corporation has been selected as one of the Red Herring 100 Private Companies of North America. Red Herring's editorial staff rigorously evaluated more than 900 private companies through a careful analysis of financial data and subjective criteria, including quality of management, execution of strategy, and dedication to research and development.

"There were many strong candidates for the Red Herring 100 list this year, so making it onto the list is quite an achievement," said Joel Dreyfuss, Editor-in-chief of Red Herring. "In the post-bubble era, innovation and entrepreneurship are thriving. The leading technology companies on this list have focused on making sure management is strong and that the business model makes sense."

CEO Dr. Daryoosh Vakhshoori enthusiastically welcomed the award, saying, "Ahura is proud to be selected by Red Herring as a leader in technology innovation. Our team has worked hard to develop market-driven products and ramp them quickly into production."

Ahura recently announced The First Defender handheld chemical identification system. This product is built upon Ahura's "optical engine" technology and has been shipping to military groups and first responder teams globally.

Red Herring's lists of private companies are an important part of the magazine's tradition of identifying new and innovative technology companies and entrepreneurs. Companies like Google and eBay were spotted in their early days by Red Herring editors as those that would change the way we live and work.

About Ahura -- Ahura Corporation has developed breakthrough technology in ultra-compact optical systems and is leading the realization of portable optical solutions for homeland security, life sciences, industrial, and communications markets. Ahura's "optical engine" technology offers superior performance at disruptive prices. The company is collaborating with customers and government agencies on medical, industrial and security applications. More information about Ahura Corporation is available at www.ahuracorp.com.

Red Herring is the weekly magazine technology entrepreneurs, investors and industry observers read to stay ahead of the curve and to be better informed about the global marketplace. Red Herring covers technology, innovation, financial strategies, important personalities and trends that are transforming the world of business with unique insight, opinion and forward-looking analysis. Readers turn to Red Herring for knowledge to make strategic decisions, build companies and create a competitive advantage for their businesses. Red Herring articles, blogs, research and event information can be found online at www.redherring.com.

Red Herring Spring is an invitation-only event for CEOs, select senior executives, and Venture Capitalists. Themed "The Dynamics of Disruptions," Red Herring Spring 2005 will bring together executives from mostly private companies. These executives will be joined by senior executives from public companies and Venture Capitalists. Please contact Sean Raman at 650.428.2900 or email sraman@redherring.com if you would like to request an invitation to Red Herring Spring.