DETROIT, February 24, 2018 – The Global Automotive & Mobility Innovation Challenge (GAMIC) has selected 12 truly innovative start-ups to move on to the World Finals of its 10th annual competition. Collectively, the 2018 finalists represent five countries and five U.S. states with promising new technologies in the areas of: advanced materials; advanced manufacturing; cybersecurity; automotive consumer; advanced powertrain; autonomous vehicle enablers; and value-chain innovation.
The teams presented in four morning and afternoon sessions at the Semi-Finals, which was held at Walsh College on Feb. 23, to a group of auto industry, mobility and start-up judges. The judges scored the teams and selected the top companies to move on to the Finals based on their business plans and the potential impact of their technologies on the mobility industry.
This year’s GAMIC finalists are:
- Arbor Automation: Developer of software solutions for automating CNC manufacturing and product development. Ann Arbor, Michigan.
- ClearFlame Engines: Uses practical, commercial technology to improve diesel engine efficiency and reduce emissions. Chicago, Illinois.
- Eclypses: Micro-token exchange solution provider for cybersecurity protection. Colorado Spring, Colorado.
- GhostWave: Creator of improved ADAS radar immune from interference. Columbus, Ohio.
- Parkofon: Creator of an all-in-one hands-free parking device that removes the need for meters and other parking payment systems. Alexandria, Virginia.
- Pitstop Predictive Maintenance: Predictive vehicle technology that identifies failures before they happen. Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
- SafeMode Tech: Lifesaving system provider for drivers and autonomous cars. Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Scientel: Develops advanced NewSQL Super Database for true Big Data. Novi, Michigan.
- SkyBridge Infotech: Mobile app developer for auto dealerships that will help increase the conversion of leads to sales. Tamil Nadu, India; Warren, Michigan.
- Spectalite!: Cost-effective bamboo and plastic composites manufacturer. Detroit, Michigan.
- Trillium Inc.: Cyber security system designer and provider for automotive IT. Tokyo, Japan.
- Vartega: Manufacturer of low-cost recycled carbon fiber used for vehicle light-weighting. Golden, Colorado.
The 12 Finals teams will refine and hone their pitches in March to prepare for the GAMIC Finals at SAE’s WCX World Congress in Detroit’s Cobo Center on April 10. The winning teams will receive a total of nearly $300,000 of in-kind assistance and cash; GAMIC finalists also receive exposure to senior executives of OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. Learn more about GAMIC here.
Previous GAMIC winners and competitors have gone on to greater success, including inking licensing contracts, launching their products faster, and obtaining additional development funding due to their enhanced visibility. Read about GAMIC success stories here.