Polaris names 32 Manufacturing Innovation Challenge recipients

CHRISTIAN COWAN, center director for the Polaris Manufacturing Extension Partnership, said the response to the Manufacturing Innovation Challenge has been "incredible." / COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
CHRISTIAN COWAN, center director for the Polaris Manufacturing Extension Partnership, said the response to the Manufacturing Innovation Challenge has been "incredible." / COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND

PROVIDENCE – Thirty-two manufacturers received Polaris MEP’s Manufacturing Innovation Challenge awards, totaling $700,000, the nonprofit said Thursday.
A division of the University of Rhode Island Research Foundation, Polaris Manufacturing Extension Partnership described the challenge as a “competitive opportunity for R.I. manufacturers to access expertise and hands-on design and product-development talent to stimulate business growth, innovation and strategic advancement.”
Polaris, in a press release, also said the challenge represents the state’s “most significant investment in Rhode Island’s manufacturing sector,” crediting federal funds through R.I. Commerce Corp.
Awards, which take effect immediately, were given in two levels, strategic assessment and growth implementation.
Level 1 focuses on strategic assessment, where awarded manufacturers will get access to a team of experts for a strategic assessment of the manufacturers’ current innovation landscape. This entails more than 75 hours of expert consulting led through strategic design facilitation, resulting in innovative ideas and actionable recommendations for business growth. Each award at this level is valued at $15,000.
Level 2 focuses on growth implementation. With ideas and recommendations in hand from the prior phase, companies can access funding to implement plans for business development and innovation. Awarded manufacturers in this phase will have made the case on how these funds will be utilized to take their company to the next level. These cash awards can be used to engage in expert consulting to help with implementation. Each awardee can access up to $35,000 to pay for implementation.
Christian Cowan, center director for Polaris MEP, said the response was incredible, as 69 companies applied to the challenge.
“This is an unprecedented opportunity for Rhode Island manufacturers. We are excited to provide manufacturers with access to world-class experts through this program and to grow our manufacturing capabilities through industrial design, innovation and education,” Cowan said in a statement.
An independent review panel selected the 32 recipients, totaling upwards of $700,000 in award value. They are:
Level 1: Strategic Assessment (23 companies)

  • Alcor Scientific Inc.
  • Ambilabs LLC
  • Anvil International – EPS Division
  • ATW Companies
  • Blount Boats Inc.
  • Contech Medical Inc.
  • Desmark Industries
  • East Bay Manufacturers Inc.
  • EVAS
  • FarSounder Inc.
  • Goodwin-Bradley Pattern Co.
  • Groov-pin Corp.
  • Hope Global
  • INSCO Group
  • International Packaging Corp.
  • Kennedy Incorporated
  • LFI Inc.
  • Lindon Group Inc.
  • Murdock Webbing
  • National Marker Co.
  • Response Technologies LLC
  • SES AMERICA
  • TEDCO INC.

    Level 2: Growth Implementation (Nine companies)

    • American Cord & Webbing Co. Inc.
    • Custom Molded Products
    • Dartex Coatings Inc.
    • Evans Capacitor Co.
    • Guill Tool & Engineering Co. Inc.
    • Mearthane Products Corp.
    • Pilgrim Screw Corp.
    • Propel LLC
    • VR Industries

    In addition to Level 1 and Level 2 of the Manufacturing Innovation Challenge, awards for a Level 3 opportunity are still being determined and will be announced at a later time, Polaris said.
    Another application round for Level 1 and Level 2 awards is expected to take place at the end of 2016 or early 2017, Polaris said.

    U.S. Sen. Jack F. Reed said the funds came from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Office of Economic Adjustment.

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