ABOUT THE PROGRAM
T-Hub, a leader in India’s pioneering innovation ecosystem that powers next-generation products and new business models, and United Technologies Corp. (UTC), a leader in aerospace and building technologies, launched the UTC Innovation Challenge.
This challenge targets startups working on computer vision and predictive analytics for the aerospace industry. Shortlisted, scalable startups will receive support from technical subject matter experts and business mentors from T-Hub and UTC.
Additional details, including how to apply, are outlined below.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR STARTUPS
- An opportunity to develop a proof of concept (PoC) with $10K grant per startup* and demo the PoC to the senior leadership of UTC at Demo Day.
* Shortlisted startup that confirms and signs relevant documentation for program participation
- Winning and shortlisted solutions are eligible to receive active mentorship with UTC technology experts and business leaders to construct a strong application for their solution
- An opportunity to gain UTC (Fortune 100 company) as a customer by showcasing the PoC to key executives of UTC during the “Demo Day” in Hyderabad & New York
- An opportunity to learn about market access in the United States
- Access to bootcamps, conducted by T-Hub, for cohort startups to learn about working effectively with corporations
- Access to T-Hub’s entire network of mentors, industry experts, investors, service providers, and ecosystem
- Coverage of expenses for travel and lodging for one member, per India-based startup who will fly to Hyderabad for the “Pitch Day”
FOCUS AREAS
USE CASE 1 – COMPUTER VISION
With this use case, UTC is seeking startups to help automate the aircraft engine leasing returns process by providing accurate picture matching to identify missing or mismatched engine parts before the engine is returned with minimal human intervention. This is designed to give the operator or lessor full visibility of any parts missing or damaged before finalizing the lease with either Pratt & Whitney or a leasing company.
Pratt & Whitney, a division of UTC, leases aircraft engines to both airlines and aircraft leasing companies. Upon completion of the lease, engines must be thoroughly inspected to ensure that all – components on the engine, at the beginning of the lease, are present and accounted for when the engine is returned. In addition, an inspection of the engine, both external and internal is performed to verify overall quality and condition. Today this process is labor intensive and results in delays causing the engine to be deemed unserviceable until the inspection and documentation is complete. Our goal is to transform and disrupt the industry by using computer-aided part detection that would automate the inspection process.
USE CASE 2 – PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS
UTC supplies and services many aircraft parts types including engines, avionics, aircraft interiors, electromechanical systems, and more. These parts are manufactured across hundreds of locations worldwide and need to be delivered to customers on time and on budget. At times demand can fluctuate; to ensure that product reaches customers, we need to allocate our inventory appropriately across locations. Our goal with this challenge is to accurately forecast demand by location to actively manage our inventory and reduce the amount of inventory we are required to carry at each location.
THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- Each startup team must have at least 1 full time employee. A ‘full time employee’ is defined as a person that maintains standard business hours working on the technology or venture (at a minimum, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm).
- The product or technology the startup is offering for consideration provides a functionality or capability not currently available in any off the shelf product, or a functionality/capability that can be demonstrated to possess a significant advantage over current offerings in some aspect.
- The product or technology the startup is offering for consideration represents original ideas wholly owned with freedom to use or is licensed by the team.
PROGRAM TIMELINE
MEET OUR MENTORS
ABOUT T-HUB
T-Hub enables and empowers an ecosystem hungry for innovation. Based in Hyderabad, India, it leads India’s pioneering innovation ecosystem that powers next-generation products and new business models. It uses the Triple Helix model of innovation based on interaction and collaboration between industry, academia and the government. Incorporated in 2015, it has provided over 1100 national and international startups with access to better technology, talent, mentors, customers, corporates, investors and government agencies. T-Hub also provides thought leadership for Telangana and other state and central government organizations to build innovation ecosystems. It has elevated innovation for leading national and global corporates, transforming enterprise business models for the better.
ABOUT UTC
United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries. By combining a passion for science with precision engineering, the company is creating smart, sustainable solutions the world needs. For more information about the company, visit our website at www.utc.com or on Twitter @UTC.