CLEVELAND, Ohio – Magnet is accepting applications for its annual Mspire Pitch Competition, which focuses exclusively on manufacturing innovation.
Entrepreneurs and startups in hard tech, advanced materials or physical product development are invited to compete for more than $85,000 in services and prizes.
Now in its 10th year, Mspire offers targeted support to manufacturing-focused innovators that are launching a physical product, solving a production challenge or pioneering a new technology.
Among this year’s awards is the $10,000 Huntington Innovation Award, which supports ideas that bring new energy and inclusivity to the manufacturing sector.
“Huntington’s continued partnership allows us to fuel groundbreaking ideas while expanding access to the resources entrepreneurs need to thrive,” said Andrea Navratil, Magnets’s director of new ventures. “By investing in innovation and inclusion, we’re building a more dynamic and equitable manufacturing economy for northeast Ohio.”
Finalists will gain exposure to industry experts, technical partners and potential investors, including members of the Advanced Manufacturing Fund, a northeastern Ohio-based venture group backing promising physical-product startups.
“It’s incredible to see Mspire reach its 10th anniversary. When we first launched the competition, we recognized a gap in support for physical product entrepreneurs – but we didn’t realize just how great the demand would be,” said Ethan Karp, president and CEO of Magnet. “Each year, the startups that emerge from Mspire continue to grow in impact, driving innovation and strengthening the manufacturing ecosystem in northeast Ohio.”
Applications are open through Aug. 18. For more information and to apply, click HERE. Finalists will pitch live at Magnet’s headquarters Oct. 16.