PowerClip, a compact unit that provides an efficient and inexpensive power source to charge appliances via USB from a car battery, was named New York’s Next Top Maker today at an evening reception at the Hardware Innovation Workshop at the New York Hall of Science.
As the Grand Prize winner, PowerClip will be awarded an $11,000 cash prize.
The competition was launched late last year, when New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) challenged the city’s makers to compete in a year-long New York’s Next Top Makers Challenge.
The goal of the challenge was to support design-driven production, promote a culture of innovation, and to foster the development of new businesses in New York City.
Fifty five ideas were submitted and evaluated by a panel of judges; the public was also invited to vote. A few months ago, six finalists were named. All six completed a five-month studio residency, with assistance and mentorship from a wide variety of New York City-based businesses.
The announcement was accompanied by a proclamation declaring this week Maker Week in New York City.
The setting for today’s announcement was appropriate. The New York version of the Hardware Innovation Workshop focused on industrial design, and featured investors from East Coast venture firms that specialize in hardware, local hardware startups, and promote entrepreneurs with early stage products and prototypes.
You can see all 55 submissions on the New York’s Next Top Makers submission page.
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