Automation Alley Technology Center Receives Grant, Assists in Commercializing New Automotive Technology

PONTIAC, Mich., Feb. 2, 2004 -- Automation Alley, Southeast Michigan's global technology cluster, announced today that its Technology Center received a $1.8 million grant from the State of Michigan to assist entrepreneurs and small- to mid-sized companies in bringing newly developed automotive technology products and services to market.

Automation Alley's Technology Center will be responsible for identifying the most promising innovative technologies and coordinating the commercialization effort. By providing tools and resources, including seed capital investment, these identified technologies will satisfy market needs. Support will come in many forms, including: business plan development; management support; market assessment and research; marketing and technical assessment; applied research; prototype development; and field-testing.

"The efforts of State Representative Marc Shulman and the Michigan legislature will have a lasting impression because not only does this grant directly benefit technological development in the short-term, it also carries long-term implications," said Tom Anderson, director of Automation Alley's Technology Center. "Ultimately, products that result from this initiative could impact what everyone's future driving experience is like."

"Economic growth and job prosperity are driven by the development and implementation of new products and services in the market," said State Representative Marc Shulman. "The very best new products and services often come from entrepreneurs and small- to mid-sized companies. This program ensures those companies have a valuable resource to use when seeking commercialization."

The Technology Center will be housed in Automation Alley's headquarters, which will also be home to Automation Alley Consortium activities and the glima Affiliate Network. The headquarters will open in the fall of 2004, and will occupy 2.0 acres of land in the Automation Alley SmartZone on Big Beaver, between John R and Rochester roads in Troy.

Interested companies and entrepreneurs are invited to apply directly to the Technology Center. A web-enabled application process will be available shortly. For now, the main contact number is 248-733-9650 or applicants can email their interest to andersont@automationalley.com .

About Automation Alley

Automation Alley is Southeast Michigan's global technology cluster, connecting government and education with business to attract and retain world- class talent. Conceived in 1999, the Automation Alley consortium provides a toolbox of resources designed to meet the unique needs of its member companies, which include educational institutions, government entities, municipalities and businesses from a variety of sectors.

Specifically, Automation Alley member advantages range from global expansion assistance, recruitment programs, marketing opportunities, numerous educational and informational seminars as well as small business support.

About the Automation Alley Technology Center

Located within Southeast Michigan's global technology cluster, the Automation Alley Technology Center leverages businesses, educators and government to help entrepreneurs bring new technologies to market quicker and more efficiently. Automation Alley Technology Center assistance includes pre- seed and commercialization funding, business plan and strategy development support as well as a powerful network of experts and mentors.