Sikorsky Innovations Announces $25K Cash Prize in 6th Entrepreneurial Challenge

STRATFORD, Conn., July 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky Innovations will award a $25,000 cash prize to the winner of the next Entrepreneurial Challenge, a competition to accelerate innovators and disruptive technology concepts with applications in the vertical flight market. Sikorsky Innovations is the technology development division of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation (NYSE: UTX).

Along with the news of the cash prize, Sikorsky Innovations also announced the initiation of a pilot program with Rescale, a special recognition awardee from the 2^nd Entrepreneurial Challenge in 2013. Sikorsky engineers will evaluate Rescale's platform over the next six months to fully understand capabilities before making determinations about next steps with the company.

Rescale is a San Francisco-based cloud simulation platform that can accelerate design cycles and enhance collaboration between engineers, resulting in significantly improved product designs.

"Sikorsky continues to seek the best ideas within the global technology community. If you are a startup with concepts in the areas of energy storage, sensors, virtual reality or 3-D printing, you should strongly consider learning about the 6th Sikorsky Entrepreneurial Challenge," said Jonathan Hartman, Entrepreneurial Challenge Lead.

The new structure of the competition features four of the hottest global technology topics: (1) wireless sensing, (2) augmented reality (3) aerospace quality additive manufacturing and (4) next-generation energy storage.

"Sikorsky is serious about finding aligned, disruptive technologies," said Simon Gharibian, Senior Manager, Sikorsky Innovations.  "As a global leader in rotorcraft, Sikorsky is looking for determined enterprises that are ready to test their concept and win the opportunity to work closely with us. We have been impressed by the level of creativity among past winners, and expect to see high-caliber companies vying once again as part of the competition."  

"Sikorsky Innovations launched five years ago with the charter to take on the toughest challenges in vertical flight," said Chris Van Buiten, Sikorsky Innovations' Vice President. "The Entrepreneurial Challenge represents one of the resourceful methods the organization has embraced to mine new ideas and talent. Innovation springs from all technology domains, and we are looking forward to seeing what the 6^th Entrepreneurial Challenge brings."

The non-dilutive cash prize, which will not affect ownership in the winning company, is a new element of the challenge, a competition that has continued to evolve since it was first launched in 2012. Visit www.sikorsky.com/EChallenge for all terms and conditions, and to enter the competition. You can also follow the latest news on the competition @Sikorsky on Twitter. Applications are due to Sikorsky Innovations by 5 p.m. EDT on Friday, Oct. 16.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, based in Stratford, Connecticut, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries. To learn more about UTC, visit the website at www.utc.com or follow the company on Twitter: @UTC.

The Entrepreneurial Challenge is void where prohibited. Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation reserves the right to change the terms and conditions of the Challenge in its sole discretion at any time for any reason without further notice or publication. 

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SOURCE Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

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