A company dedicated to saving firefighters’ lives won the 2017 Governor’s Business Plan Contest, which concluded Wednesday during the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference held at Union South.

Northern Star Fire, based in Eau Claire, Wis., is the creator of an eight-directional electronic compass designed to help firefighters regain their orientation in low-visibility conditions.

“(The compass is) an important product, something I’m very passionate about,” Northern Star Fire Founder Jeff Dykes said. “I’m ecstatic to win. I’ve bootstrapped since day one, but (the resources in) Wisconsin helped me be successful.”

Northern Star Fire, which also won the Advanced Manufacturing category, earns cash and in-kind prizes.

Nano Red took top honors in the Life Sciences category, DotCom Therapy in IT and Compost Crusader in Business Services.The startups were part of the 13 finalists that presented to judges on Tuesday.