TROY – The Automation Alley Technology Center, in conjunction with Southeast Michigan’s business community, is working to commercialize a wide variety of automotive spin-off technologies with potential for growth in non-traditional markets by providing seed funding, business plan development and a network of mentors.
Following a Tri-Corridor Commercialization award of $1 million from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Technology Center support in the form of $100,000 in seed funding and business development assistance, Delphi spin-off SpaceForm, which is commercializing new applications of Deformation Resistance Welding technology, established its corporate headquarters at TechTown, Detroit’s research and development park.
Delphi, in collaboration with SpaceForm, has been developing DRW under multi-year, multi-million dollar grants from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, provided through the Michigan Research Institute. The grants will further the development of DRW, a process that enables designers and engineers to reduce part count and cost without sacrificing structural integrity or rigidity through using tubed sheet metal instead of stampings. In addition to benefiting the automotive industry, DRW has potential for application in new markets and segments, including aerospace and medical equipment.
“The automotive industry faces a global economic challenge in regards to profitability and competitiveness,” said Tom Anderson, senior director, Automation Alley, director, Automation Alley Technology Center and interim chairman, SpaceForm. “Through introducing automotive technology to non-automotive markets, the industry has an opportunity to re-focus, expand its reach and achieve significant financial growth.”
SpaceForm was recently awarded the 2006 Michigan Corporate Partnership Award, which honors partnerships between Michigan companies and local individuals or groups benefiting the technology community.
For more on the Automation Alley Tech Center, click on AutomationAlley.Com
