The line-up for MAKE’s second Hardware Innovation Workshop is set and the roster and schedule of events are truly exciting. If you’re in the business of making at any stage this is a not-to-miss event.
The two-day workshop (May 14-15) comes just before Maker Faire Bay Area (May 18-19) and has drawn big names in the world of making and innovation as well as startups you haven’t heard about–yet.
Presented by GE, the Hardware Innovation Workshop will be held at the College of San Mateo and is designed for makers in business trying to figure out how to navigate the thriving maker ecosystem–from fundraising to strategic partners to manufacturing options. The workshop will also focus on innovative tools and technology, platforms and projects, and devices and designs based on open hardware.
The list of more than 40 speakers is a who’s who of the maker world. The speakers include:
- Chris Anderson, founder and CEO of 3D Robotics, DIY Drones
- Kai Backman, co-founder, Airstone Labs
- Massimo Banzi, co-founder, Arduino
- Carl Bass, CEO, Autodesk
- Kate Drane, Indiegogo
- Brook Drumm, founder and CEO, Printrbot
- Ted Hall, founder and CEO ShopBot Tools
- Bunnie Huang, co-founder, Chumby
- Eric Jennings & Sally Carson, co-founders, Pinoccio
- Zach Kaplan, founder and CEO, Inventables
- Ben Kaufman, founder and CEO, Quirky
- Ryan Kottenstett, principal, Khosla Ventures
- Zach Smith, program director, HAXLR8R
- Robert Stephens, founder, Geek Squad
- Trae Vassallo, general partner, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers
- Peter Weijmarshausen, co-founder and CEO, Shapeways
New this year is the “pitches with prototypes” contest on May 14. Two dozen companies have submitted hardware projects and are competing to grab the attention of top VC firms, hardware incubators and accelerators, leading tool and technology providers, and other maker entrepreneurs. Attendees will vote for the most interesting and innovative product ideas. The winner will receive a slot on the Maker Faire Innovation Stage to present their prototype the following weekend.
Innovation is the common thread of the conference. The workshop’s Innovation Showcase will include a first-hand look at scores of new products from two dozen companies. These include Pinoccio and Electric Imp, platforms that are helping to create the Internet of Things; a drone company called Skycatch that hopes to redefine security at construction sites and seaports, ArduSat, a DIY satellite ; and MakieLab, a toy designer that allows you to create customized dolls, soldiers, and action figures.
Make haste and register right here.
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