Local tech startup Quipzor has been accepted into Automation Alley’s entrepreneurship program, the 7Cs™. As a client company, Quipzor 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 a year ago 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.
Quipzor has developed teleconferencing equipment that reduces unnecessary foot traffic in operating rooms, especially that of medical device representatives. Michael Weber, Quipzor president and CEO, says the solution diminishes both cost and risk.
“It’s basically FaceTime for healthcare,” Weber said. “Our solution removes the need for the manufacturer’s sales rep to actually be present in the operating room. They are able to deliver the product support without having to physically be there.”
Weber says the technology is secure, reliable and effective for all parties involved in the medical device surgical process.
“If you look at a cable company like Comcast, they have the equipment to get you all the stations you want to see. Our solution is similar in that everyone uses our system to deliver the support remotely,” Weber said.
“Quipzor’s new, first-of-its-kind technology is solving an important issue in the heathcare space. By providing remote support to surgical product manufacturer reps, they are reducing the chance of infections, liabilities and cost associated with onsite support,” said Automation Alley COO Tom Kelly, who oversees the organization’s entrepreneurship efforts. “We are excited to welcome Quipzor to the Automation Alley 7Cs™ program and look forward to helping them bring their product to operating rooms everywhere.”
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 also 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 key to the 7Cs™ for me is that it’s going to really help us tie our business together so we can continue to grow,” Weber said. “The connection and resources that Automation Alley has is huge for us and has already helped us in many different ways, including introductions to the right people and helping us continue to move forward.”
“I grew up in Southeast Michigan and it was important for us to start this business here,” he added. “And the 7Cs™ program will really help us start to build this in Southeast Michigan and then hopefully deliver it to everyone in the world.”
The program includes up to 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 the Automation Alley 7Cs™ program, or to apply, contact Automation Alley at 800-427-5100 or info@automationalley.com. For more information on Quipzor, visit www.quipzor.com/.
Source: Automation Alley