Global Midwest Alliance
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Driving Innovation and Growth
Press Release
June 11, 2012
Applications Due June 29 for 4th Annual Brinks Innovation Competition
Finalists to present their technologies at Midwest Clean Tech 2012
CHICAGO – Global Midwest Alliance, the Midwest Research University Network (MRUN) and Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione are pleased to invite you to participate in the 4th Annual Brinks Innovation Competition. Applications are due on June 29, 2012. Five finalists will be selected to present their innovations on September 12 at McCormick Place in Chicago in conjunction with the 2012 Midwest Clean Tech Conference and the International Manufacturing Technology Show, September 10-15, 2012, before an international audience of early-stage investors, researchers, entrepreneurs, clean tech-focused venture capitalists and financiers, and corporate R&D and business development executives.
Competition entries must provide solutions to global challenges in such areas as environmental technologies, renewable and alternative energy, infrastructure and community, or green building science or related fields, and must offer competitive returns for investors. Products, services and processes eligible for entry should improve and promote the productive and responsible use of natural resources, reduce or eliminate negative ecological impact, and provide superior performance at a lower cost than alternatives. Applicants should also have a sound, venture-ready business plan and ideally will have already completed an initial or angel round of funding.
“We are looking forward to learning about promising new concepts in clean technology in a setting that brings innovators, researchers and investors together for their mutual benefit,” said James P. Naughton, shareholder and co-chair of the Brinks Innovation Competition. “We are excited about helping to bring these innovations to the attention of those who recognize that the best ideas need proper funding and intellectual property protection.”
The Brinks Innovation Competition has become a preeminent venue for entrepreneurs with new green products or services, allowing them to present venture-ready business plans to an audience of venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, business consultants and corporate representatives. Applicants compete not only for cash awards, but also for the opportunity to gain exposure, network with potential investors and business partners, and have their ideas become reality. Submissions are judged by a panel of experts representing regional universities, venture capitalists and clean tech business executives.
The top five competition finalists in the 2012 Brinks Innovation Competition will be invited to present their technologies at Midwest Clean Tech 2012 All finalists receive recognition in conference print materials and at the event website.
Founded in 2009 and now a vital part of the annual Midwest Clean Tech conference, presented by the Global Midwest Alliance, the Brinks Innovation Competition is sponsored by Brinks and the Midwest Research University Network. Midwest Clean Tech 2012 will be held in conjunction with the International Manufacturing Technology Show at McCormick Place.
The Brinks Innovation Competition is presented by the Global Midwest Alliance and the Midwest Research University Network and is sponsored by Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione.
About Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione
Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione is one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the United States and serves the intellectual property needs of clients around the world. Brinks has 150 attorneys, scientific advisors and patent agents who specialize in intellectual property litigation and all aspects of patent, trademark and copyright law. The firm also advises on issues relating to intellectual asset management, trade secret, unfair competition, and technology and licensing agreements. Brinks routinely handles assignments for companies in the electrical, chemical, and mechanical engineering sectors; the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and nanotechnology industries; and for companies whose work relates to Internet and computer technology law. The firm’s trademark practice works on behalf of clients who deal in a wide variety of products and services. Founded in 1917, Brinks is based in Chicago and has five additional offices across the country, including its newest office in Washington D.C. Visit www.usebrinks.com.
About MRUN
The Midwest Research University Network (MRUN) is an alliance of university business development professionals dedicated to facilitating growth of technology spinout companies through start–up formation. MRUN provides a forum for universities, investors and entrepreneurs to work regionally in pursuit of local venture formation. More information about MRUN is available at www.mrun.us.
Global Midwest Alliance is the only business-led economic development group for the Midwest region. The Alliance facilitates collaboration among key stakeholders to provide access to global business opportunities to the Midwest and realize economic value from existing world-class assets in the Midwest. The Alliance focuses on programs and platforms that help high growth companies develop and expand markets for businesses based in the Midwest, encourage and assist international business activities in the region, and integrate business, financial and scientific resources for successful commercialization of technology in the Midwest. For more information, visit www.globalmidwestalliance.org.
