2008 Woodie Awards
Student companies awarded prize money
Joshua Walovitch, Collegian Staff
Issue date: 5/12/08 Section: News
The third annual Technology Innovation Challenge was held at the Lincoln Campus Center of the University of Massachusetts last Thursday.
The Technology Innovation Challenge (TIC), created by Dean of College of Engineering Michael F. Malone, works towards the successful integration of management, science and engineering.
"We have had an interest in finding ways for research projects here at the University to become more mainstream in society," said Malone.
This year's winner was Therapeutic Systems, fronted by doctoral student Brian Mullen. Therapeutic Systems is a company that makes therapeutic vests and other devices that relieve people suffering from anxiety disorders. He and his team were awarded $50,000 to spend on developing their business.
Engineered Response, comprised of UMass students Brycen Spencer, Hendalee Wilson and Tom McDevitt were also awarded $15,000 for their business proposal.
Engineered Response is a company that plans to make Wireless Impact Gardiens (WIG's) that would be implemented into safety helmets. These helmets, nicknamed "The OnStar of Helmets," automatically call 911 in the event of an accident.
The TIC promotes innovation education based on technology conceived by faculty, students and alumni of UMass Amherst. This year, five teams competed for prizes that totaled up to $80,000. Much of this money was donated by alumni and friends of the University.
The competition was judged by over a dozen professionals in the fields of business and technology, including entrepreneurs, legal experts and consultants.
"We are looking for the most innovative, significant and promising projects," commented Henry Gibson, a judge from SABIC Innovative Plastics.
The TIC is comprised of two phases. Phase one takes place during the fall semester. It is a similar competition, but there are a greater number of teams participating and the projects are in the early idea stages. The advancing teams of that competition then move on to the spring semester competition and use that time to further develop their projects.
The Technology Innovation Challenge (TIC), created by Dean of College of Engineering Michael F. Malone, works towards the successful integration of management, science and engineering.
"We have had an interest in finding ways for research projects here at the University to become more mainstream in society," said Malone.
This year's winner was Therapeutic Systems, fronted by doctoral student Brian Mullen. Therapeutic Systems is a company that makes therapeutic vests and other devices that relieve people suffering from anxiety disorders. He and his team were awarded $50,000 to spend on developing their business.
Engineered Response, comprised of UMass students Brycen Spencer, Hendalee Wilson and Tom McDevitt were also awarded $15,000 for their business proposal.
Engineered Response is a company that plans to make Wireless Impact Gardiens (WIG's) that would be implemented into safety helmets. These helmets, nicknamed "The OnStar of Helmets," automatically call 911 in the event of an accident.
The TIC promotes innovation education based on technology conceived by faculty, students and alumni of UMass Amherst. This year, five teams competed for prizes that totaled up to $80,000. Much of this money was donated by alumni and friends of the University.
The competition was judged by over a dozen professionals in the fields of business and technology, including entrepreneurs, legal experts and consultants.
"We are looking for the most innovative, significant and promising projects," commented Henry Gibson, a judge from SABIC Innovative Plastics.
The TIC is comprised of two phases. Phase one takes place during the fall semester. It is a similar competition, but there are a greater number of teams participating and the projects are in the early idea stages. The advancing teams of that competition then move on to the spring semester competition and use that time to further develop their projects.
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