www.3ders.org

Mar.7, 2014

The Company Lab (CO.LAB) is inviting entrepreneurs with applications in 3D printing to apply for participation in GIGTANK, an annual entrepreneurial accelerator that leverages Chattanooga's advanced fiber infrastructure to build next-generation business models. Applications for the summer program for aspiring 3D printing entrepreneurs are due March 14.

Now preparing for its third iteration, GIGTANK is renowned for being the world's only startup accelerator connected to a living, metro-wide fiber optic network. The program takes place each summer between May and August and attracts top talent from business and academia to Chattanooga for 10 weeks of intensive startup development.

Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) will be one of the three focus areas of GIGTANK 2014. GIGTANK is intent on "finding innovative people from diverse backgrounds who want to move the 3D printing industry forward." Qualified teams have the opportunity to present their work to an extensive network of angel and private equity investors.

GIGTANK is offering startups access to a metro-wide fiber optic network with Internet speeds that run 100x faster than the national average. Startups will also have the opportunity to collaborate with conventional manufacturers to develop pilot programs for potential application in the Chattanooga region and other cities across the U.S.

In addition GIGTANK's additive manufacturing startups will enjoy the following advantages:

• $15,000 in initial seed funding for teams or a $3,000 stipend for specialists
• Access to an expansive range of 3D printing resources, including leading technologies and experts at Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Manufacturing Demonstration Facility in Oak Ridge, TN
• Free housing throughout the duration of the program, provided by University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
• Collaborative workspace
• Relationships with industry experts, specialists and mentors
• Opportunities to attract additional investment capital from a large pool of investors
• A chance to be selected to participate in a cross-country investment tour, which will cover strategic locations including Silicon Valley and New York City

Who's Qualified?

According to Mike Bradshaw, executive director of CO.LAB, ideal candidates for the program in general are people out of the "Maker Movement" who wish to engage the industrial manufacturing base and experienced manufacturers who see an opportunity to improve an existing process or who wish to explore opportunities to disrupt conventional manufacturing processes.

The program offers opportunities to software developers and digital manufacturers working on 3D modeling software, file format, machine-to-machine communication, distributed manufacturing coordination, online markets and entrepreneurs working on product design, materials, logistics, supply chain and process engineering improvements, micro-manufacturing, and medical, health and wellness technologies.

In general, the program is looking for innovative people from diverse backgrounds who want to move the 3D printing industry forward. So if you have a stellar concept and a solid team, you may want to click here for details about how to apply to GIGTANK.

 

Posted in 3D Printing Company

 

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