Sikorsky Innovations Names Entrepreneurial Challenge Winner and Launches 7th Competition

STRATFORD, Conn., Feb. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky Innovations today announced the winner of the 6^th Entrepreneurial Challenge and the launch of the 7^th competition. The Entrepreneurial Challenge, driven by Sikorsky Innovations, the technology development organization of Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), is designed to accelerate innovators and disruptive technology concepts with applications in the vertical flight market.

The organization declared Solace Power, based in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland, Canada, winner of the 6^th Entrepreneurial Challenge for its presentation of Resonant Capacitive Coupling wireless power technology and granted the firm a $25,000 prize, along with an opportunity to explore, with Sikorsky, the impact of Solace Power technology on Sikorsky's product line.

"The Entrepreneurial Challenge, from an industry perspective, is truly a one-of-kind gateway, where disruptive ideas can quickly gain exposure and a customer base within one of the most exciting transportation verticals globally," said Chris Van Buiten, Vice President of Sikorsky Innovations. "We look forward to exploring the applications of the exciting Solace Power technology. The 6^th Entrepreneurial Challenge exceeded our expectations, and we're anticipating strong additions to the portfolio with competitors from the 7^th competition."

Sikorsky Innovations also awarded four other finalists from the 6^th competition in two additional categories: Special Recognition, for exceptional entries, and Honorable Mention for meritorious entries.

• Cadenza Innovation, LLC, based in Wilton, Connecticut, and Identify3D, based in San Francisco, California, earned Special Recognitions.
• Response Technologies, LLC, based in Cumberland, Rhode Island and iQagent, based in Alpharetta, Georgia, earned Honorable Mentions.

"The Sikorsky Entrepreneurial challenge was a fantastic opportunity for Solace Power to showcase its unique wireless power technology and earn validation from one of the world's most innovative companies," said Neil Chaulk, Vice President of Business Development. "We are looking forward to working with Sikorsky to develop leading edge technology in the aerospace and defense market."

For the 7^th competition, Sikorsky Innovations, along with its competition partner the Stamford Innovation Center, is unveiling a new set of focus areas for which it's seeking applications: (1) Transparent or On-Glass Visualization; (2) Rotating to Fixed-Frame Internet of Things Data Transmission; (3) Digital Manufacturing Tools for Real Time Defect Detection; and (4) Next Generation Propulsion Technologies. These areas highlight current technologies the company believes represent disruptive opportunities for the rotorcraft and aerospace market.

"After our most competitive final round to date, we're thrilled to be able to recognize such a large number of cutting edge technology companies," said Jonathan Hartman, Entrepreneurial Challenge lead. "These five companies, spanning all award levels, will join our existing portfolio of award recipients and have the unique opportunity to work side-by-side with our technical experts and global network."

To take the Challenge or learn more, visit the Challenge website at http://www.sikorsky.com/EChallenge. Applications are due to the online portal by 5 p.m. EDT on Friday, May 20.

About Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, based in Stratford, Connecticut, is a world leader in aircraft design, manufacture and service. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that – with the addition of Sikorsky –employs approximately 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

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SOURCE Sikorsky Aircraft

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