Innovation of the Year recognizes a technology or process that can advance multiple technologies and significantly improve the manufacturing ecosystem.
Judging Criteria
Importance of the problem being solved
Significance of impact on the industry, individuals, and society
Uniqueness of the approach
Overall success and performance metrics (ex - improved profitability, reputation, employee morale, efficiency, etc.)
Eligibility
- The innovation made a direct impact on the regional manufacturing industry
- The innovation has a technology readiness level of 4-7
- The innovation can advance multiple products and technologies
- Technologies or processes are considered, not products
Process
- Applications are submitted and a judging committee selects the winner