SEBASTOPOL, CA--(Marketwired - May 1, 2013) - Is hardware the new software? From the looks of the products and prototypes slated for demonstration at the second MAKE Hardware Innovation Workshop, presented by GE, May 14-15 at the College of San Mateo in San Mateo, CA, it is. Nearly two dozen startups will participate in the Innovation Showcase and another lucky thirteen will compete in the "Pitch with Prototype" contest on Tuesday, May 14, to see which of the new hardware ideas grab the attention of the attendees including top VC firms, hardware incubators and accelerators, leading tool and technology providers, and other maker entrepreneurs.
"Hardware is back and makers are driving it," said Dale Dougherty, founder and publisher of MAKE magazine and CEO of Maker Media. "Signs of the keen focus on the business of making are all around. From the increasing number of hardware startup meetups around the globe, to the market for personal 3D printers, to the size of the latest funding rounds secured by young maker companies, makers are using open hardware to fuel innovation."
Makers placing their products on display in the Innovation Showcase include two new microcontroller board companies: Pinoccio and Electric Imp, both platforms to connect almost anything to the Internet to create new devices. A drone company called Skycatch hopes to redefine the concept of security systems for logistics at construction sites and seaports. ArduSat is a DIY satellite built with an Arduino and some sensors, and MakieLab offers the ultimate toy shop: design your own customized dolls, soldiers, and action figures.
Startups in the Innovation Showcase include :
- ArduSat
- Bia Sport
- Circuits i.o.
- Dash Robotics
- Dynamo Development Labs
- Electric Imp
- Lockitron
- LumiGeek
- Lumio
- MakieLab
- Nomiku
- OpenXC, Ford Motor Company's Silicon Valley Lab
- Pebble
- Pinoccio
- Robot Garden
- SandBoxr
- Scout Alarm
- Skycatch
- SMLD (State Machine Logic Demonstrator)
- Solar Pocket Factory
- Tesseract Industrial
"The founders of Pinoccio were at the first Hardware Innovation Workshop and now, a year later, are back as a startup company with an exciting new product of their own," said Dougherty. "The submissions for our 'Pitch with Prototype' segment are equally inspiring. The ideas range from creative products for consumers and green energy enthusiasts to new solutions for businesses. With names like Foldimate, Solar Outdoor Robot and Lumiglass, they sound ready to go-to-market tomorrow."
On Wednesday, May 15, over 30 speakers will share the stage offering business insights into manufacturing options for startups, collaborative strategies from funding to production to distribution and marketing, and the latest in maker tools and technologies.
Workshop speakers include recognized leaders from the maker movement such as Massimo Banzi, co-founder of Arduino; Chris Anderson, founder and CEO of 3D Robotics and DIY Drones; Ted Hall, founder and CEO of ShopBot Tools, and Ben Kaufman, founder and CEO of Quirky. For a complete lineup of speakers and agenda details, and to register for the 2013 MAKE Hardware Innovation Workshop, visit: makezine.com/hardware-innovation-workshop
A special discount has been secured at the Hyatt Regency SFO for the event. For reservations, click here.
The MAKE Hardware Innovation Workshop is presented by GE, and sponsored by Google for Entrepreneurs and ShopBot, as well as media sponsor Engadget.
About MAKER MEDIA Maker Media is a global platform for connecting makers with each other, with products and services, and with our partners. Through media, events and ecommerce, Maker Media serves a growing community of makers who bring a DIY mindset to technology. Whether as hobbyists or professionals, makers are creative, resourceful and curious, developing projects that demonstrate how they can interact with the world around them. The launch of MAKE Magazine in 2005, followed by Maker Faire in 2006, jumpstarted a worldwide Maker Movement, which is transforming innovation, culture and education. Located in Sebastopol, CA, Maker Media is the publisher of MAKE Magazine and the producer of Maker Faire . It also develops "getting started" kits and books that are sold in its Maker Shed store as well as in retail channels.
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