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Sponsors & Partners
Silver Sponsors
As your partner for complex electronic and IT systems, ESG leverages over 1,600 employees worldwide while providing local client focus. With a high degree of specialization and many years of experience, the solutions and services which we offer range from process and technology consultancy, systems development and integration, creation and implementation of software solutions, to functional verification and test. Our areas of expertise includes, among other: Connected Car, Diagnostics, EMobility, Car IT and HMI & Infotainment. For more information, visit www.esg-usa.com
Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C., is a law firm specializing in the protection, transfer and enforcement of intellectual property rights. Since its founding in 1978, Sterne Kessler has grown to become one of the seven largest IP specialty law firms in the United States. Based in Washington, DC, the firm employs over 170 patent attorneys, agents, and technical specialists representing a broad range of entities, including emerging and established companies, venture capital firms, universities and select individuals. For more information, visit www.skgf.com
Lead Partners
SAE International is a global association of more than 128,000 engineers and related technical experts in the aerospace, automotive and commercial-vehicle industries. Our unique value proposition of providing cross-sector learning opportunities across global aerospace, automotive and commercial vehicle industries is unmatched. We reinforce our role as an industry partner by providing innovative technology solutions and advancing knowledge throughout mobility engineering. We address issues and trends facing all industry such as cybersecurity; new advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing; and connectivity issues among all vehicles, whether on land or in the air. For more information, visit www.sae.org
MI Innovation Alliance works with thought-leading partners across the state and around the globe to advance the science and implementation of technological innovation and best practices. Our collaborations reinforce our focus on: leading and facilitating forums to enhance the visibility, awareness and rapid commercialization of new technologies; developing and implementing programs to form linkages between large and small companies, innovators and enablers to build a more robust innovation ecosystem; and connecting global innovation centers and major industry leaders to accelerate critical mass, speed to market and new production scale-up business models. For more information, visit www.MIInnovationAlliance.org
Founded in 2002 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, NextEnergy is one of the nation’s leading accelerators of advanced energy and transportation technologies, businesses and industries. NextEnergy drives technology demonstration and commercialization; delivers industry and venture development services; and provides an authoritative voice in the public sector. Since its inception, NextEnergy has helped attract more than $1.5 billion of new investment, including programs in excess of $160 million in which NextEnergy has directly participated. For more information, visit www.nextenergy.org
Media Partners
F6S is home to 1.5 million profiles, 600,000 startups and more than 12,000 start-up programs globally. F6S delivers founders more than $1 billion per year in funding, grants and services. F6S company founders apply to accelerators, pitch investment funds, post or apply for jobs, get free founder benefits and grow on F6S every day. For more information, visit https://www.f6s.com
The Mobile Technology Association of Michigan (MTAM) is a non-profit trade association for Michigan’s mobile / wireless (connected) technologies industry, businesses that provide these technologies, and the businesses in all industries that use these technologies. We were the first state-based mobile/wireless (connected) technologies trade association in the U.S. MTAM sponsors the Mobile Monday organization which counts over 3,000 members in its four statewide chapters; facilitates idea sharing, entrepreneurial and training programs, and jobs creation for Michigan-based products and services; and serves as a resource for all things related to mobile/wireless (connected) technologies. For more information, visit www.gomobilemichigan.org
In-Kind Sponsors (Non-Cash Prizes to Award winners, Current)
AutoHarvest Foundation, a 501(C)3 nonprofit, operates a unique web-based innovation ecosystem led by highly respected figures in the automotive and manufacturing industries. AutoHarvest.org was launched in 2012 as the world's only truly neutral and global on-line meeting place for innovators of all types with an interest in advanced manufacturing intellectual property. This meeting place allows users of all types to showcase capabilities, technologies and needs, and then privately connect with fellow inventors and commercializers to explore technology and business development opportunities of mutual interest. This process enables interactions between decision-making innovators of all types, from major corporations to grass-roots inventors. For more information, visit www.autoharvest.org
Autotech Technology Development, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kenmar Corp. Autotech works to find new technology and innovation that can be incorporated into the auto industry, either by licensing or component manufacturing. Autotech specializes in: technology screening and validation; research and patent development, strategy and commercialization; licensing and partnering; competitive analysis; and team leadership for the development and implementation of new technology in the automotive sector. For more information, visit www.ekenmar.com/subsidiaries
Established in 1983, Brooks Kushman P.C. is a leading intellectual property and technology law firm, serving clients nationally and internationally from its offices in Michigan, California and Washington, D.C. The firm has over 90 intellectual property professionals that are specialized in various disciplines. Brooks Kushman has a reputation for providing leading intellectual property strategy and counseling with a focus on the business objectives of its clients, and represents clients across many industries with respect to protection, enforcement and monetization of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyright and trade secrets. For more information, visit www.brookskushman.com
Since 1985, Eisbrenner Public Relations’ clients – ranging from sole proprietors to Fortune 50 companies – have seen results from our integrated communications strategies. Product launches, issues management, executive visibility and coaching, social media and message platform development – our capabilities expand to accommodate the needs of global, national and local companies. For more information, visit www.eisbrenner.com
IndustryStar is a supply chain services and software technology company that is passionate about partnering with high-growth technology companies, to bring innovative and disruptive technologies to market that will have a positive impact on the world. Industry’s flexible Supply Chain as a Service (SCAS) offering and software expedites new product launches, provides greater operational flexibility and reduces supply chain risk. This innovative SCAS offering provides growing companies with a world-class supply chain team on day one, without the ramp-up, ongoing operational costs, or hiring of permanent staff. For more information, visit www.industrystarsolutions.com
The LTU Collaboratory is a hands-on regional resource center at the Lawrence Technological University, fostering business growth and economic vitality. We assist entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and second-stage growth start-ups in growing and launching their ideas – through education, resources, networking, mentoring and connections to funding sources – all in our state-of-the-art collaborative environment for innovation. For more information, visit www.ltucollaboratory.com
Market Results offers a customized and consultative approach to fit your business, learn and market opportunities. Nearly every business needs to develop high quality relationships so there can be a consistent flow of new sales each year. With over 30 years of consultative business to business sales experience. Market Results can define and implement the systems and processes to carry your company's sales and profits to the next level. For more information, visit www.marketresults.com
Since 1991 the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) has helped small and medium-sized manufacturers become stronger and more competitive. Designed to meet your needs, we develop more effective business leaders, drive product and process innovation, assist with navigating through governmental regulations, promote company-wide operational excellence and foster creative strategies for business growth and greater profitability. MMTC is supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). For more information, visit www.the-center.org
The Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA) champions the business interests of more than 430 member organizations. OESA strives to foster collaboration throughout the supply chain and help members make critical business decisions. Through industry events, peer group councils, research and analysis, OESA provides relevant, timely and unique information and resources to and for the automotive supplier industry. Through the Product Technology Development Council, OESA focuses on the short- and long-term product development trends at suppler companies, with a particular focus on product and technology Innovation. For more information, visit https://www.oesa.org/councils-and-committees
The Quinn Law Group has worked extensively with in-house counsel at various large and mid-sized companies. We understand that all companies strive to receive the best legal service at a reasonable cost. As an intellectual property boutique focusing on patents, the Quinn Law Group provides high quality services at a lower cost than the large firms which diversify into other areas of practice. Our size allows us to provide personalized service; and our experience and expertise in sophisticated intellectual property matters allow us to ensure the highest level of service and professional conduct possible at a low cost. For more information, visit www.quinnlawgroup.com
TechTown Detroit is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, founded in partnership with Wayne State University, Henry Ford Health System and General Motors Corporation, and is located within the Woodward Technology Corridor SmartZone. TechTown is Detroit’s most established business accelerator and incubator, offering a full suite of entrepreneurial services for both tech and neighborhood enterprises. We help startup and established businesses develop, launch and grow, while strengthening and diversifying the local economy. For more information, visit www.techtowndetroit.org
General Partners & Sponsors
Growth Capital Network is an Ann Arbor- and Detroit-based strategic management, research and evaluation consulting firm – focused on the economic development, health care and philanthropic communities. Our collaborative approach, depth of professional experience and practical nature assist our clients to create impactful programs, from the strategy and framing through to implementation and measurement. For more information, visit www.growthcap.net
JR Turnbull Communications is a Detroit-based cause marketing and event company, producing events and campaigns to connect and build strong relationships between businesses and community organizations. The company has produced many successful corporate and charity events to support communities state-wide. We listen; tell us your idea, goal or vision, and we will create an experiential event designed to engage your guests. We offer a variety of services customized to fit your needs, from event logistics and non-profit consulting to sponsorship fulfillment and branding. Our goal is not to meet, but exceed our clients’ expectations. For more information, visit www.jrturnbull.com
MiSpringboard is Varnum’s statewide initiative to remove some of the barriers associated with starting a business, by providing free legal services to Michigan startups. Launched in 2011 to provide $1 million in free legal services to help Michigan’s then-struggling economy, MiSpringboard was our way of helping the economy by doing what we do best – provide high-quality legal counsel to businesses and individuals. We recently renewed our commitment to working with the innovative entrepreneurs and referral partner organizations who are creating a vibrant startup community in Michigan by dedicating another $1 million in free legal services through the MiSpringboard program. For more information, visit www.varnumlaw.com/services/mispringboard
The MITR Club of Southeastern Michigan is an organization of MIT alumni in and around the Detroit-Ann Arbor region. As an MIT volunteer organization, its goals are to: facilitate contact between MIT and its Alumni in SE Michigan; provide its members with a continued “MIT Experience”; educate the public about MIT, its mission and its research; and create opportunities for MIT alums to give back to MIT and to the local MIT communities with their experiences. For more information, visit SEMichMITClub
The Waterloo Centre for Automotive Research (WatCAR) is Canada’s largest automotive–academic enterprise, and a key portal for assemblers, suppliers and regulators. WatCAR conducts advanced automotive and transportation systems research to further automotive innovation and competitiveness. From active safety to automated driving, from lightweighting to advanced powertrains, 125 faculty researchers lead the largest university-based automotive activity in the country. Our leading-edge studies – for industry partners around the world – enhance vehicles, components and their materials with new approaches and integration of innovative technologies. For more information, visit https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-automotive-research
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