New York’s Next Top Makers Competition

While not strickly 3ds Max news, this may be interesting for many of you who are makers and use 3ds Max in your process.

New York City is challenging you to create new products that have commercial potential, and to become one of New York’s Next Top Makers. Your new product can be in any of the following categories: consumer products, equipment, furniture and lighting, soft goods, packaging, interaction, transportation, DIY (kits) or something else, provided it meets the eligibility requirements listed in the Official Rules. Judges will select their top 5 new products and the public will vote to determine their favorite.

All six finalists will receive assistance on the path to commercialization during a five-month Studio Phase. Assistance will include studio space from sponsor NYDesigns, business support, and mentorship from industry experts such as Adafruit Industries, Honeybee Robotics and Shapeways. After the Studio phase, finalists will publicly showcase their progress and their prototypes. Judges will then select one Grand Prize winner from the six finalists to receive an $11,000 cash prize.

The goal of the challenge is to support design-driven production, promote a culture of innovation and commercialization, and to foster the development of new businesses within New York City’s industrial business, design and engineering communities.

You can get more info on their website:

Next Top Makers

Studio Phase

Timeline for the Studio Phase and Second Round of Judging
Studio Phase: April 2, 2013 – August 30, 2013
Finalist Judging Expo: Mid September 2013
Grand Prize Winner Announced: Mid/Late September 2013