Win $100K for Your 3D Printing Startup from AMPED

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a fairly young technology. It still has plenty of room to stretch and grow in new directions. Startups still have a chance to become significant players in the field, relatively quickly, thanks to backing from crowdfunding or other sources. Formlabs in particular is the poster child for this kind of AM startup.

Not every company is comfortable heading for crowdfunding, but they still need startup capital. Enter AMPED, the $100,000 business and technology competition with an emphasis on AM. AMPED is the result of a partnership between the Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI) and America Makes.

From the AMPED website:

From July 1 to August 14, 2015, contestants will be able submit their ideas via the third party business competition website, PitchBurner. Once all submissions have been reviewed, YBI will invite up to seven finalists to advance to the final round in Youngstown to present their ideas in front of a panel of experienced judges on November 2, 2015.

In addition to the $100,000 first prize, the winning entry will receive $50,000 worth of services through YBI. The winner will also join YBI as a portfolio company where they will continue to develop their business, transforming it from startup to a scalable business. In short, AMPED is offering the chance for one company to get started with financial and logistical backing.

While the contest is not solely open to AM entries, the presence of America Makes should ensure that 3D printing entrants gain the proper amount of attention. An additional caveat is that the competition is designed to draw businesses to Youngstown, OH. Winners must either already live in NE Ohio, or be willing to relocate.

Regardless of winning, AMPED provides a good opportunity for expert feedback regarding a startup’s proposed product. Along with evaluating a product’s potential, the contest will examine the business acumen and clarity of purpose of each entry.

Below you’ll find a video about the results of previous cooperation between America Makes and YBI.

Sources: America Makes, YBI