STRATFORD, Conn., July 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky
Innovations will award a $25,000 cash
prize to the winner of the next Entrepreneurial Challenge, a
competition to accelerate innovators and disruptive technology
concepts with applications in the vertical flight market. Sikorsky
Innovations is the technology development division of Sikorsky
Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies
Corporation (NYSE: UTX).
Along with the news of the cash prize, Sikorsky Innovations also
announced the initiation of a pilot program with Rescale, a special
recognition awardee from the 2nd Entrepreneurial
Challenge in 2013. Sikorsky engineers will evaluate Rescale's
platform over the next six months to fully understand capabilities
before making determinations about next steps with the company.
Rescale is a San
Francisco-based cloud simulation platform that can
accelerate design cycles and enhance collaboration between
engineers, resulting in significantly improved product designs.
"Sikorsky continues to seek the best ideas within the global
technology community. If you are a startup with concepts in the
areas of energy storage, sensors, virtual reality or 3-D printing,
you should strongly consider learning about the 6th Sikorsky
Entrepreneurial Challenge," said Jonathan
Hartman, Entrepreneurial Challenge Lead.
The new structure of the competition features four of the
hottest global technology topics: (1) wireless sensing, (2)
augmented reality (3) aerospace quality additive manufacturing and
(4) next-generation energy storage.
"Sikorsky is serious about finding aligned, disruptive
technologies," said Simon Gharibian,
Senior Manager, Sikorsky Innovations. "As a global leader in
rotorcraft, Sikorsky is looking for determined enterprises that are
ready to test their concept and win the opportunity to work closely
with us. We have been impressed by the level of creativity among
past winners, and expect to see high-caliber companies vying once
again as part of the competition."
"Sikorsky Innovations launched five years ago with the charter
to take on the toughest challenges in vertical flight," said
Chris Van Buiten, Sikorsky
Innovations' Vice President. "The Entrepreneurial Challenge
represents one of the resourceful methods the organization has
embraced to mine new ideas and talent. Innovation springs from all
technology domains, and we are looking forward to seeing what the
6th Entrepreneurial Challenge brings."
The non-dilutive cash prize, which will not affect ownership in
the winning company, is a new element of the challenge, a
competition that has continued to evolve since it was first
launched in 2012. Visit www.sikorsky.com/EChallenge for all terms
and conditions, and to enter the competition. You can also follow
the latest news on the competition @Sikorsky on Twitter.
Applications are due to Sikorsky Innovations by 5 p.m. EDT on Friday, Oct.
16.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, based in Stratford, Connecticut, is a world leader in
helicopter design, manufacture, and service. United Technologies
Corp., based in Hartford,
Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services
to the building and aerospace industries. To learn more about UTC,
visit the website at www.utc.com or follow the company on Twitter:
@UTC.
The Entrepreneurial Challenge is void where prohibited. Sikorsky
Aircraft Corporation reserves the right to change the terms and
conditions of the Challenge in its sole discretion at any time for
any reason without further notice or publication.
Follow Us on Twitter
Logo -
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20060403/SIKORSKYLOGO
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sikorsky-innovations-announces-25k-cash-prize-in-6th-entrepreneurial-challenge-300112954.html
SOURCE Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation