Competition held at the Automate 2015 Show in Chicago, Illinois

(Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA - February 13, 2015) The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) has announced a call for startup companies in robotics, machine vision and motion control for its Automate Launch Pad Competition. The competition will be held at the Automate 2015 Show and Conference in Chicago, Illinois on March 23, 2015 at 4:30pm.

Automation applications in robotics, vision and motion are impacting many industries today. Recently, there has been a groundswell of startup companies introducing new products in the sector. The Automate Launch Pad Startup Competition seeks out these startups to generate awareness of their technology and help them find new funding. The event is co-produced by Silicon Valley Robotics, and sponsored by Shell GameChanger.

Eight (8) semi-finalist companies will be invited to participate in the competition that features a grand prize of $10,000. Companies will have three minutes to pitch their technology to a panel of investors and automation experts. Eligible companies include those in the automation space (robotics, vision, motion control, etc.) who were founded in the last 5 years; raised less than US $2 million since creation; and are not affiliated with a larger group. All semi-finalists will be provided booth space on the Automate show floor, putting them in front of an expected audience of over 10,000 people interested in automation.

"We recognize the critical role of startup companies in driving innovation and bringing forth new technologies to foster continued growth," said Jeff Burnstein, President of A3. "We encourage startups to take advantage of this opportunity to spread awareness and take their company to the next level."

To apply for the Automate Launch Pad Competition, fill out the form here or visit our web page. Deadline for applications is February 27, 2015.

About Association for Advancing Automation (A3)
The Association for Advancing Automation is the global advocate for the benefits of automating. A3 promotes automation technologies and ideas that transform the way business is done. A3 is the umbrella group for Robotic Industries Association (RIA), AIA - Advancing Vision + Imaging, and Motion Control Association (MCA). RIA, AIA, and MCA combined represent some 800 automation manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, research groups and consulting firms from throughout the world that drive automation forward.