Global Midwest Alliance
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Driving Innovation and Growth
Press Release
February 2, 2012
Global Midwest Alliance Invites Clean Tech Companies to Participate in the 4th Brinks Innovation Competition
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. The innovation competition is being held during the Midwest Clean Tech 2012 Conference which is being held in conjunction with the 2012 International Manufacturing Technology Show, the largest manufacturing technology show in the Western Hemisphere. Midwest Clean Tech 2012 is a one-day program exhibiting Midwest excellence in clean technology innovation, products and services.
The Brinks Innovation Competition was created to help emerging and venture ready clean tech companies gain visibility and make connections. It also provides a showcase for developers of new technologies that offer competitive returns for investors and customers while providing solutions to global challenges. The companies featured in this competition are developing products and services which:
- Promote the productive and responsible use of natural resources
- Reduce negative ecological impact
- Provide superior performance at lower costs
Competition entries may include, but are not limited to, the areas of renewable and alternative energy, infrastructure and community, and green building science.
Submissions will be judged by a panel of experts representing regional universities, venture capitalists and clean tech business executives. All finalists will receive recognition through conference print materials and the event website, and will be eligible to attend the Midwest Clean Tech 2012 conference free of charge. Additional finalists’ representatives will also be eligible to attend at a reduced registration rate.
The top five competition finalists will be invited to present their technology at the Midwest Clean Tech 2012 conference as a speaker 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. All other entrants will have the opportunity to display information about their technology in exhibitor space at the conference venue.
Criteria for Entry
Applicants must be focused in the clean tech space as described above.
Applicants must have a sound business plan.
Applicants ideally will have completed an initial or angel round of funding.
Companies presenting on the agenda at Midwest Clean Tech 2012 are not eligible to participate.
Sponsors of Midwest Clean Tech 2012 are not eligible to participate.
Schedule
Midwest Clean Tech 2012 Conference and Brinks Innovation Competition will be held on September 12, 2012 at McCormick Place, in conjunction with the International Manufacturing Technology Show. For more detailed information on the Midwest Clean Tech 2012 Conference and Brinks Innovation Competition, please visit www.midwestcleantech2012.com.
The Brinks Innovation Competition is presented by the Global Midwest Alliance, the Midwest Research University Network and the Economic Development Council and is sponsored by Brinks.
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.
