How to enter the New York's Next Top Makers competition

Image source: NYC.gov

NYC-based inventors, makers, designers, and engineers, listen up – there’s a chance to show off your idea(s) in a new competition called New York’s Next Top Makers. Last week the Mayor’s office and the NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC) announced the competition in conjunction with the ribbon cutting at the Shapeways factory in Long Island City.

The bottom line is that six NYC-based inventors will win studio space in which to work on a 3-D printing prototype product, as well as mentorship during that time from industry leaders from Shapeways, Adafruit Industries, and Honeybee Robotics. Studio space will be provided by NYDesigns at their facility (45-50 30th Street, Astoria – GMAP); they are sponsoring the competition. The core goal of the competition is to promote 3-D printing and innovation, right here in NYC.

Here are some of the details – the competition is in four parts and will take about a year to complete all the steps.

1. From approximately mid-November 2012 through February 2013, entrepreneurs will upload submissions, including filmed pitches of the product they plan to bring to market.
2. Following the submission period, qualifying entries will be posted online. While expert judges select the five most promising entries, and the public will vote for a “people’s choice” entry.
3. Over five months, from approximately April 2013 to August 2013, the six selected finalists will participate in a five-month design studio, to further develop their product ideas. During this process they will receive studio space provided by competition sponsor NYDesigns, as well as technical support, materials, access to equipment and mentorship from industry leaders such as Shapeways, Adafruit Industries and Honeybee Robotics.
4. At a final public pitch event and expo in September 2013, during the second annual Maker Week, judges will assess the success of the emerging businesses and award additional cash prizes the most promising business.

Mayor Bloomberg had this to say about the competition:

“This contest will make sure New York City stays on the cutting edge of 3-D printing, an exciting new industry with virtually unlimited potential, and which could completely revolutionize manufacturing. New York City – the center of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship – is a natural home for Shapeways, and we look forward to seeing what kinds of exciting products – and quality jobs – they can create.”

And NYC EDC prestident Seth Pinsky said this:

“Rapid prototyping and 3-D printing have the potential to transform manufacturing in New York City. Initiatives such as New York’s Next Top Makers will allow us to capitalize on this potential and strengthen this emerging industry. The winners of this competition will receive helpful resources to launch new and innovative products, and will receive access to critical mentorship opportunities, aiding them in their expansion plans.”

Entries to the competition will be accepted starting on November 13 at 10am EST.

Mayor Bloomberg and EDC Launch Competition to Promote 3-D Printing and Innovative Manufacturing as Shapeways Opens NYC Facility [NYC.gov]
Ribbon cutting for Shapeways, a 3-D printer in LIC, and factory of the future [QNYC]
New York’s Next Top Makers [competition homepage]