

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.
* Shortlisted startup that confirms and signs relevant documentation for program participation
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.
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.
A successful solution will capture the physical state of the exterior of engine and associated accessories. It will match the existing configuration with the as-delivered configuration and highlight deviations on of any mismatch in parts (e.g., serial number, missing component) as well as identify any forms of external damage with minimal human intervention. The minimal output should be an inventory comparison (pre / post lease) picture evidence and referenced manual location and then current commercial list price of missing parts. Any successful software must be easily configurable during deployment, with minimal setup or training required from end users. It is highly desirable to enable the inspection to be managed remotely, allowing real-time update and creation of data files to be viewed and saved.
Solutions that integrate inputs from other sources like DSU (digital storage unit) readers, machine identification plate readers, and others would be preferred. In addition, the software would ideally have the following abilities:
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.
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.
A successful solution will be a highly accurate predictive algorithm that will account for aircraft part demand across the globe to increase transportation planning efficiency and reduce inventory carrying costs. Inputs will vary and will come from several databases that may not all be previously linked. The solution will produce an output part type and number of each part to be carried at each location. The solution will also include a level of confidence indicator for each of the several time horizons.
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.
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.