Avnet Innovation Lab to provide $250,000 in grants to technology visionaries
Avnet,
Inc. (NYSE:AVT),
a leading global technology distributor, in partnership with Arizona
State University (ASU) and its Ira
A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, is now accepting applications for
the next class of entrepreneurs for the Avnet
Innovation Lab. Launched in May 2016, the lab was created to spur
economic growth and help aspiring technology entrepreneurs accelerate
their ideas and take their inventions to the next level. Applications
for the next Avnet Innovation Lab will be accepted through November 14,
2016 and are accessible at Avnet
Innovation Lab.
With the Avnet Innovation Lab, entrepreneurs can leverage the expertise
of one of the largest technology distributors in the world – Avnet, and
the university ranked #1 in innovation in the U.S. – Arizona State
University. Avnet Innovation Lab participants are awarded grants from a
$250,000 donation provided by Avnet. They also receive personal
consultation from experts in technology distribution, supply chain
management and next-generation technologies throughout the 12-18 month
program. This consultation helps participants reach the next phase in
the innovation process. Participants also have access to dedicated lab
space in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering building on the ASU
Tempe, Ariz. campus.
Avnet Innovation Lab Successes:
The next class of entrepreneurs will join the successful ranks of Avnet
Innovation Lab participants, who have created revolutionary technologies
for today’s high-growth industries including retail, hybrid automotive
solutions, security and chemical safety. Hear directly from today’s lab
participants.
-
Pit Rho and Twyst are changing the way consumers shop by
creating a Smart Bag, which eliminates the need to wait in checkout
lines. Using IOT, this smart retail bag links the in-store shopping
experience with the convenience of online shopping. With the help of
the Avnet Innovation Lab, Pit Rho has successfully taken the product
to market.
-
XL Hybrids is utilizing Avnet’s supply chain expertise to
reduce electrical and telematics components and service costs that
make up the company’s hybrid electrification business. XL Hybrids’
technology can be applied to new and existing commercial vehicles to
effectively reduce fuel use and emissions.
-
Digital Bio advanced its new, gold-standard early warning
detection system that monitors for microbes and other biological
agents that could pose a risk to national security, industrial
processing, agribusiness and environmental health. The Avnet
Innovation Lab’s technological and engineering expertise and supply
chain support is helping to move the system into production,
transforming the way that bioanalysis takes place.
-
SILER is helping make polymers more user and environmentally
friendly. The organization is creating a safer polymer system by
minimizing the exposure of potentially dangerous volatile organic
compounds found in some cleansers, glues, cosmetics, paints,
pesticides and more, as well as increasing the use of safe chemicals
in electronics and renewable energy manufacturing. Through the Avnet
Innovation Lab, the team has conducted further research and developed
proof-of-concept evidence related to the benefits of their technology.
Executive Quotes:
“The Avnet Innovation Lab is one of the many exciting ways we’re driving
innovative thought in technology and providing the support needed to
bring new products to market,” said MaryAnn Miller, senior vice
president, chief human resources officer and corporate marketing &
communications for Avnet, Inc. “Our first four lab participants have set
a high bar, and the combination of funding and hands-on engagement with
industry experts is delivering solid results.”
“All of those involved in the Avnet Innovation Lab share a passion for
invention,” said Dr. Cody Friesen, founder and chairman of the Avnet
Innovation Lab Advisory Council, ASU Associate Professor and CEO of Zero
Mass Water. “As the journey progresses with the next generation of
entrepreneurs, we’re seeing firsthand the creation of things that never
existed before; technologies that never were, now are. Our next round of
performers will build upon this legacy, and we’re looking forward to
supporting an even broader range of innovative technology ideas that
will make the world a better place.”
Click
to Tweet: .@Avnet & @ASU offer $250,000 in funding to selected #tech
entrepreneur applicants who join the #AvnetInnovationLab http://avnet.me/labapp
Follow Avnet on Twitter: @Avnet
Join
Avnet on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AvnetInc
Connect
with Avnet on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/avnet
Read
more about Avnet via our blog: http://blogging.avnet.com/
About Avnet, Inc.
From components to cloud and from design to disposal, Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT)
accelerates the success of customers who build, sell and use technology
by providing a comprehensive portfolio of innovative products, services
and solutions. Avnet is a global company ranked on the Fortune 500 with
revenues of $26.2 billion for the fiscal year 2016. For more
information, visit www.avnet.com.
Avnet, Inc.
Maureen O’Leary, 480-643-7499
Maureen.OLeary@avnet.com
or
Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University
Terry Grant, 480-727-4089
Theresa.Grant@asu.edu
or
Brodeur Partners for Avnet, Inc.
Marcia Chapman, 480-308-0284
mchapman@brodeur.com