Civionics, an Ann Arbor-based provider of intelligent wireless sensor networks and cloud-based data services, has been accepted into Automation Alley’s new entrepreneurship program, the 7Cs™. As a client company, Civionics will receive assistance and guidance from Automation Alley’s entrepreneurship team to help accelerate the growth of the company.
Automation Alley, Michigan’s largest technology business association, launched the 7Cs™ program in December with a specific emphasis on helping advanced manufacturing startups across Southeast Michigan. The program includes intense coaching and a commitment from Automation Alley to invest resources and capital.
Because Civionics’ wireless sensing hardware is designed to process sensor data before transmitting it, the systems can significantly reduce or eliminate many problems associated with other wireless monitoring platforms (such as high bandwidth demand, limited battery life, inadequate storage capacity, and decision-making paralysis due to data inundation). Within the past decade, Civionics products have been used to monitor long-span bridges, wind turbines, naval combatant vessels and other engineered systems around the world.
“Civionics is extremely excited about working with the Automation Alley 7Cs™ program as we seek to gain increasing commercial traction for our technology in the manufacturing sector. We hope that this program can help us build strong, mutually beneficial relationships with other companies in Southeast Michigan’s manufacturing industry,” said Andy Zimmerman, CEO of Civionics.
“Civionics is a perfect fit for the 7Cs™ program”, said Tom Kelly, Automation Alley’s director of entrepreneurship. “They have developed solid technology and now need a strong voice to carry that solution to market and customers. That’s where Automation Alley shines.”
The Automation Alley 7Cs™ program includes additional features to help client companies gain traction and first customers. The 7Cs™ First Look is a collection of two-minute sales videos that promote each 7Cs™ client company and showcase their products and services. The videos give potential customers a “first look” at the innovative products and services offered by the technology startups.
Through the 7Cs™ First Match, Automation Alley has partnered with more than 20 local chief innovation officers at major automotive and manufacturing suppliers to present technologies developed by 7Cs™ participants, giving the suppliers access to innovations that could take their businesses to the next level and giving entrepreneurs exposure and access to potential business opportunities.
Automation Alley has partnered with a number of respected vendors throughout Southeast Michigan to offer specific training opportunities and resources to clients in the 7Cs™ program, including Sandler Sales Training, icube™, Brooks Kushman, Doeren Mayhew and P3.
The program includes a $25,000 directed investment from Automation Alley in each company accepted into the program. The $25,000 is used to cover the costs of the program. Companies accepted into the program are required to repay the $25,000 at the end of two years, thus making the funding available for investment in additional companies.
There is also an opportunity for each of the accepted companies to receive up to an additional $100,000 in investment from the Automation Alley Pre-Seed Fund after they complete the program. Companies complete the program at their own pace but are expected to accelerate to commercialization within 12-24 months.
The Automation Alley 7Cs™ program is funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
For more information on Civionics, visit www.civionics.com.
For more information on the Automation Alley 7Cs program, or to apply, contact Automation Alley at 800-427-5100 or info@automationalley.com.
Source: Automation Alley