Submission period extended to December 15, 2015 

McLean, Va. … The deadline for the MTConnect Student Challenge ideation competition has been extended until December 15. In addition to allowing students more time to develop and submit their ideas, this also allows for more entries into the competition.

The MTConnect Student Challenge seeks ideas and applications using MTConnect, an open, HTTP- and XML-based communications standard that fosters connectivity between manufacturing equipment and devices. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, The competition is open to all U.S. college students (undergraduate and graduate; university and community college) and is offering a total of $33,000 in cash prizes for winning submissions.

“The goals of the MTConnect Student Challenge is to bring together the innovative and creative thinking from students with the needs of the manufacturing industry to develop breakthrough solutions that are easily applicable for manufacturers of all sizes,” said Douglas K. Woods, President of the MTConnect Institute and President of AMT-The Association For Manufacturing Technology. “Students benefit by developing relationships with companies as part of completing the challenge requirements – networking with a potential future employer and creating something for their professional portfolio. Manufacturers benefit by finding new ways to meet their challenges.”

The MTConnect Student Challenge is broken into two competitions: Idea Creation and Application Development.

MTConnect Student Challenge – Idea Creation

For the Ideation competition, students will be required to interview manufacturers to identify their challenges; describe potential solutions to that challenge; and create a conceptual mockup for a solution. The prizes for this competition are $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second place, and three $1,000 prizes for runners up. The submission period is currently open, and it closes on December 15, 2015. Winners will be announced February 5, 2016.

Full rules and submission details are available at www.challenge.gov/challenge/mtconnectstudentideas.

MTConnect Student Challenge – Application Development

For the Application competition, students will be required to develop an application that demonstrates innovation and the use of manufacturing intelligence breakthroughs. Submissions will be rated based on their potential to create achievable and measurable benefits to manufacturing operations – improving efficiencies, minimizing waste, reducing costs, etc. The prizes for this competition are $10,000 for first place, $7,500 for second place, and $5,000 for third place. Submission for this competition is also currently open and will close on January 31, 2016. Winners will be announced at [MC]2 Conference, which will be held April 19-21, 2015 in Dallas, Texas.

Full rules and submission details are available at www.challenge.gov/challenge/mtconnectstudentapps.

The MTConnect Student Challenge is sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Defense-wide Manufacturing Science and Technology (DMS&T) and executed by AMT-The Association For Manufacturing Technology, the U.S. Army Benét Labs, the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), and the MTConnect Institute, in partnership with SME and the National Tooling and Machining Association.

About The MTConnect Institute

The MTConnect Institute is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization established to further the development and adoption of the MTConnect standard. The organization is a subsidiary of AMT—The Association For Manufacturing Technology and includes Board of Trustees, Technical Steering Committee, and Technical Advisory Group (TAG), which is comprised of various working groups to further the standard in specific technology areas. Any company or organization can become a member of the Institute. Membership is free.   www.MTConnect.org

About AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology

AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology represents and promotes U.S.-based manufacturing technology and its members—those who design, build, sell, and service the continuously evolving technology that lies at the heart of manufacturing. Founded in 1902 and based in Virginia, the association specializes in providing targeted business assistance, extensive global support, and business intelligence systems and analysis. AMT is the voice that communicates the importance of policies and programs that encourage research and innovation, and the development of educational initiatives to create tomorrow’s Smartforce. AMT owns and manages IMTS — The International Manufacturing Technology Show, which is the premier manufacturing technology event in North America. www.AMTonline.org

About Benét Labs

Benét Labs is a Department of the Army Center of Excellence supporting the management and execution of life cycle research, development, engineering, design, producibility, and engineering standardization programs for large caliber armaments, mortars and direct fire systems. A full complement of modern laboratory equipment, along with a highly trained staff of scientist, engineers, and technicians, enables Benét to be a world leader in innovative technology and applications.

About NCDMM

NCDMM delivers optimized manufacturing solutions that enhance the quality, affordability, maintainability, and rapid deployment of existing and yet-to-be developed defense systems. This is accomplished through collaboration

with government, industry, and academic organizations to promote the implementation of best practices to key stakeholders through the development and delivery of disciplined training, advanced technologies, and methodologies. NCDMM also manages the national accelerator for additive manufacturing (AM) and 3DP printing (3DP), America Makes—the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute. For additional information, visit NCDMM at ncdmm.org.

About Office of the Secretary of Defense

The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) is the principal staff element of the Secretary of Defense in the exercise of policy development, planning, resource management, fiscal, and program evaluation responsibilities. OSD includes the immediate offices of the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense, Under Secretaries of Defense, Director of Defense Research and Engineering, Assistant Secretaries of Defense, General Counsel, Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, Assistants to the Secretary of Defense, Director of Administration and Management, and such other staff offices as the Secretary establishes to assist in carrying out assigned responsibilities.


Contact:

Hilena Hailu
MTConnect Institute
703-827-5293
Email Contact