A
utomation Alley, Michigan’s largest technology business association, has awarded SurClean, Inc. of Wixom $12,500 through the Innovation Award for Advanced Manufacturing at the Great Lakes Entrepreneur’s Quest Business Plan Competition, held June 17 at Eagle Crest Conference Center in Ypsilanti.
Each year at the competition, presented by Lansing-based nonprofit MiQuest, Midwest startup companies come together to make their pitch for equity capital from investors.
In addition to the Automation Alley prize, SurClean won $15,000 as runner-up for the Emerging Company of the Year award.
SurClean develops handheld laser coating removal products for industries including automotive, aerospace, bridge, railway and more. The technology replaces traditional chemical-based methods of coating removal. The system uses a laser beam to disintegrate coatings such as paint and rust and removes them in a cost-effective, safe, energy efficient and earth-friendly way.
The competition at this year’s GLEQ awards was fierce, said Tom Kelly, Automation Alley’s director of entrepreneurship, who presented the Innovation Award for Advanced Manufacturing to SurClean.
“There was a terrific pool of qualified candidates, but ultimately we were looking for cutting-edge technology that could create high-paying jobs in Michigan,” Kelly said. “We were also looking for a company that is ready for growth and could be rapidly scaled up and commercialized within 12 months. SurClean met all of this criteria.”
The mission of SurClean is to become a dominant force in coatings-removal technology, not just an alternative to conventional methods.
“SurClean laser coating removal systems compete with current methods of chemical, abrasives and plastic media. Our work in the laser industry and with the United States Air Force has provided my company with the ability to create a very precise, intuitive, cost-effective and earth-friendly coating removal solutions for our customers,” said Susan Sprentall, Founder and CEO of SurClean. “I was surprised and appreciate receiving the award. The timing is perfect. Our Global PCT patent is being filed to protect our ‘secret sauce.’ The winnings will be applied towards this expense. It is an honor to be recognized by Automation Alley.”
Source: Automation Alley
Click here to be introduced to Automation Alley
