Proteus Innovation CompetitionPitch a plan to commercialize a patented technology to win $5,000 in the Proteus Innovation Competition.

Win $5,000 by participating in the Proteus Innovation Competition

The University of Windsor is collaborating for the fifth year with Western University, the University of Guelph, McMaster University, and the University of Waterloo on the Proteus Innovation Competition.

The competition is a three-part reverse business pitch contest that challenges participants to create a commercialization plan for one of five patented technologies developed by these top Southwestern Ontario research institutions. This competition allows contestants to hone their business skills, work with a variety of experienced advisors, and accelerate the commercialization process on cutting-edge innovations.

Successful teams have the chance to win one of five $5,000 prizes and have the opportunity to be involved in the further commercialization of the technology including a possible spin-off company.

This year the University of Windsor has put forward professor Tricia Carmichael’s patented technology “Tufted Pile Fabric as Framework for Stretchable and Wearable Composite Electrodes.

Stemming from the Faculty of Science and the chemistry department, Dr. Carmichael’s invention leverages velour fabric’s inherent architecture, consisting of a warp-knitted framework and a cut pile, to fabricate a stretchable lithium-ion battery electrode. The fabric is metallized with gold, followed by selective deposition of the brittle electroactive material such as copper sulfide on its cut piles.

This unique preparation method integrates the electroactive material and the current collector into a single piece of velour fabric. In this way, the brittle copper sulfide is localized on the cut pile and current collector on the stretchable warp-knitted framework. This dual coating allows the horizontal movement of cut piles while protecting brittle electroactive materials from the mechanical force.

Students from all faculties are encouraged to participate by registering to join the Proteus launch on Nov. 16 to learn more about how they can submit their business plans for any of the five technologies available as part of the competition. Participating in the Proteus Innovation Competition is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in innovative technologies and their intersection with business.

Learn more about the competition and technologies at the Proteus launch, a live webinar on the Zoom videoconferencing platform Wednesday, Nov. 16, 3 to 5 p.m. Register here to receive the link to attend.

Subsequent important dates include:

  • Team registration deadline: Jan. 9, 2023
  • Stage 1: Virtual Business Plan Workshop - Jan. 18, 4 to 6 p.m.
  • Stage 2: Virtual Pitch Workshop - March 1, 4 to 6 p.m.
  • Stage 3: Virtual Pitch Finale - March 29, 4 to 7:30 p.m.

For more information, and to register a team, visit www.proteusic.com or contact Windsor lead Heather Pratt at hpratt@uwindsor.ca.

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