Three Central Iowa-based companies were among four start-up businesses to win the top prizes during the 10th annual John Pappajohn Iowa Business Competition yesterday.

Winning the first-place prize of $25,000 for its business plan was Ames-based Visual Medical Solutions LLC, doing business as BodyViz, which developed software for three-dimensional visualizations of MRI and CT scans for use by surgeons and medical students. The system, which allows users to “travel” through a patient’s body using an Xbox 360 game controller, received the Prometheus Award for start-up company of the year from the Technology Association of Iowa earlier this year.

Innovative Energy Solutions Inc. of Ames was awarded second place and $15,000. The company has developed a technology process and device for conversion of waste hydrocarbons, such as refinery waste or plastics, into diesel fuel.

Tying for third place were West Des Moines-based Energy Control Technologies Inc., which develops control systems to increase energy efficiency for industrial processes, and Think Safe Inc. of Hiawatha, which specializes in emergency-response technology applications. Both companies received $5,000 awards.

The companies were among eight finalists chosen to present to a panel of judges made up of staff of the five Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers, the Iowa Small Business Development Centers and the Iowa Department of Economic Development. More than 60 business plans were submitted and reviewed during the six-month competition.

Also during the conference, Gary Vermeer, a Pella native and founder of the Vermeer Corp., was posthumously awarded the 2009 Lifetime Achievement. Of his many innovations in agriculture equipment, Vermeer revolutionized agriculture when he created the round hay baler in 1971. He was also known for his charitable contributions and created the Vermeer Charitable Foundation, donating to local and worldwide charities.

The conference continues today at the Polk County Convention Complex.