WASHINGTON—The first American Security Challenge business plan competition invites innovative companies to compete for a $100,000 award for technologies aimed at helping secure America’s long-term physical and economic security.
The deadline for executive summaries is April 10, 2008. Six finalists are chosen to present their full business plans at the American Security Challenge event, June 5, 2008 at The Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center in Washington D.C.
Submissions are not limited to tactical security products but encourage innovations that address America’s long-term security interests such as technologies that reduce our dependence on foreign oil, protect our nation’s financial systems, transportation systems, food supply, commerce, and other innovations that would mitigate the effect of a terrorist attack on our economy and way of life.
Participants in the Challenge include universities, incubators, entrepreneurs, researcher labs, early stage investors and others interested in taking their company or innovation to the next level.
Beyond the initial great idea, the Challenge allows emerging technology firms high visibility among customers like the U.S. Government, integrators, licensors, manufacturing partners among other potential partners. It also provides exposure for further funding.
Eligible companies encouraged to apply include but are not limited to SBIR winners; angel funded companies; companies with $1M or less annual revenue; incubator companies; university researchers with innovative IP and entrepreneurs.
Investor financing for the Challenge is provided by Maryland-based Nobska Ventures. Supporting organizations include: the Greater Baltimore Technology Council; the Entrepreneur Center@NVTC; the Northern Virginia Technology Council; the Center for Business & Technology Development of Howard County, MD; the Center for Innovative Technology among others.
The Challenge is held in conjunction with the annual U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Directorate’s Annual Stakeholder conference June 2-5, 2008.
For more information or applications see:
www.americansecuritychallenge.com
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