DETROIT, Jan. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- PlanetM and AutoMobili-D today announced that CARMERA, provider of real-time 3D maps and navigation-critical data for autonomous vehicles, was awarded both Best in Show and Startup of the Year by Governor Rick Snyder at the inaugural PlanetM Awards ceremony during the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

"AutoMobili-D, the premier mobility technology event in the U.S., attracts world-class companies to showcase their latest and greatest advancements in mobility," Snyder said. "This year's inaugural PlanetM Awards represents Michigan's evolution from motor to mobility epicenter. It was an honor to present CARMERA with the PlanetM Best in Show Award. I would also like to congratulate all of the 2018 PlanetM Award competitors and applaud them for their innovative mobility advancements and platforms."

The PlanetM Awards are a partnership between PlanetM, a Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) program, AutoMobili-D and NAIAS. PlanetM created this awards structure to honor enterprises developing innovative and mobility-focused platforms and technologies.  The North American International Auto Show provides the platform for companies in this industry to showcase their products, services, and technologies. 

"When we kicked off this year's PlanetM Awards, we never thought one company would be selected by such a diverse group of judges, from a massive pool of applicants, to win both our Best in Show and Startup of the Year accolades," said Trevor Pawl, group vice president of PlanetM at the MEDC. "This speaks to CARMERA's innovative impact in the market. We were delighted to recognize CARMERA, and all our category winners, for the 2018 season."

CARMERA, the PlanetM Awards category winner for Autonomous Driving, was selected for both prestigious awards by two separate groups of judges, who reviewed an unprecedented amount of awards applications for both product and startup submissions. CARMERA provides real-time 3D maps and navigation-critical data for autonomous vehicles, as well as 3D scene reconstruction and site analytics data for professionals in architecture, construction, real estate and other built environment segments.

"We couldn't be more proud and honored to have received all of the recognition this week at NAIAS. As a fast-paced startup, we tend to keep our nose to the grindstone and maintain focus on solving really challenging problems for customers," said Ro Gupta, CEO for CARMERA. "But it's a great boost to all of us to meet so many smart, supportive people in this community and celebrate the continuing progress in defining the future of mobility. We are equally grateful to our first institutional partners in one of the most welcoming areas of the world for what we do, and couldn't be happier to be the resident autonomous vehicle mapping company at both University of Michigan's TechLab/Mcity and Michigan State University's CANVAS Lab. We intend to have an even greater presence in Michigan going forward. Thank you PlanetM, and watch this space!"

PlanetM Awards 2018 Category Winners
Autonomous Driving: CARMERA, CARMERA Autonomous Map 
Connected Car: VOXX Automotive, EVO Rear Seat Entertainment 
eMobility: URB-E, URB-E
Mobility Services: Parkofon, Parkofon 
Smart Cities: Immotor, Immotor GO II

Each category winner of the PlanetM Award received complimentary access to the PlanetM Landing Zone, located at WeWork Merchant's Row in Detroit.

To learn more about the PlanetM Awards,visit the PlanetM Awards page, and watch the PlanetM Awards videos here and here.

About PlanetM
PlanetM represents Michigan's unique and vast ecosystem, connecting resources and opportunities for its consortium of members. Made up of private industry, government and institutions of higher learning, partners in PlanetM share the common goal of leading the development of smart solutions that will change the way people and goods are transported across all modes of transportation. To learn more about how Michigan is leading the transportation revolution or to become a member, visit PlanetM.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state's marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan's economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

About the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS)
Now in its 30th year as an international event, the NAIAS is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world, providing unparalleled access to the automotive products, technologies, people and ideas that matter most – up close and in one place. Administered by executive director Rod Alberts, the NAIAS is one of the largest media events in North America, and the only auto show in the United States to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world. For more information, visit naias.com.

SOURCE North American International Auto Show

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