On October 20, 2021, 12 entrepreneurs presented their business pitches to a virtual panel of more than 15 experts and judges in an effort to secure an award from MAGNET’s Mspire competition. This group of final presenters was narrowed down from a competitive field of 45 applicants and 18 semifinalists.
“If the quality of applicants is any indication, entrepreneurs have been using the pandemic wisely,” said Alec Simon, Director of Startup Services at MAGNET. “We were overwhelmed by the ideas and products presented at Mspire and are tremendously excited to work with many of the applicants, regardless of whether they won.”
Mspire is Northeast Ohio's only pitch challenge exclusively for manufacturing-focused entrepreneurs. Designers, innovators and inventors who offer products and ideas that can advance the manufacturing industry or create a physical product that requires manufacturing are invited to apply. The competition is held every year, with submissions accepted in late summer and judging in early fall. The variety of prizes awarded are customized to meet the needs of the entrepreneurs, the same way MAGNET’s startup services adapt to assist clients.
This year’s winners and their corresponding prizes include:
The State of Ohio’s Entrepreneurial Service Program and the Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership support Mspire. For more information about MAGNET’s Startup Services, contact Alec Simon at asimon@manufacturingsuccess.org.