Automation Alley Technology Center Helps First Companies

PONTIAC, Mich., June 10 -- The Automation Alley Technology Center, which aids entrepreneurs in business development and product commercialization through established processes and programs, has successfully passed its first two companies through the initial start-up of the Technology Accelerator, providing funding and expertise to launch their companies. The companies -- 3IS, a subscription Web service for the automotive electronics industry, and Beholztech, Inc., producer of a cost-effective and environmentally friendly adhesion promotion process for plastics -- have both received funding and critical networking connections to launch their products.

"The Technology Center's purpose is to help companies, such as Beholztech and 3IS, turn their ideas into usable, marketable technology solutions," said Tom Anderson, director, Automation Alley Technology Center. "These companies demonstrate that the Technology Center can assist in the areas that many newer companies need help with, such as funding and networking."

Both companies have completed the initial stages of the Technology Center process, starting with an application where an expert panel evaluates proposed products for selection to the Technology Accelerator. Once accepted, the organization then establishes a customized acceleration plan. The plan can include any of the following depending on the company's specific needs: attendance at programs, seminars and workshops, mentoring, commercialization coaches and seed capital investment. Once the plan has been executed, the company is then validated for commercial potential and starts applying for funding from select investors.

"The Technology Center's staff provides expertise in areas that a start-up company's small staff might not know about," said Lars Beholz, founder and president, Beholztech, Inc. "With the Technology Center helping to connect us to the funding, it positions us to be able to hire a larger staff and successfully launch our product."

Beholztech, currently a two-person company, was created by Beholz who invented a cost-effective and environmentally friendly adhesion promotion process that allows plastics to be successfully painted, laminated, glued and caulked. Beholz has completed the first steps of the program and is now waiting for the funding to arrive. Once he obtains the funding he will launch the products to customers, including those in the automotive, aerospace and medical industries.

"Being a member of Automation Alley and going through the Technology Center not only gives us a stamp of credibility in the industry, but also provides us crucial networking opportunities," said John Cain, founder and president 3IS. "We have already established connections to solid business leads that have signed on for the product after the demo launch in May."

3IS was founded in 2002 by president John Cain who created the web service to be a one-stop-shop for the automotive electronics industry to conduct research. By using the service, industry professionals will be able to access technical data and market intelligence more rapidly and comprehensively, compared to conventional search methods. From the component level through the vehicle system, 3IS will provide the subscriber with rapid access to critical business information, without having to wade through unnecessary information on the Web. 3IS has already received funding from the Technology Center, plus additional seed funding from venture capital and private investors, to assist in its product launch in the automotive electronics industry.

About Automation Alley

Automation Alley is Southeast Michigan's regional technology cluster, attracting the creators and consumers of diverse technologies from a variety of industries around the world. The Automation Alley Member Consortium is a membership of technologically diverse, progressive business, governmental and educational visionaries working in concert to attract world-class talent and businesses to Southeast Michigan. For more information, visit http://www.automationalley.com/

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.