Massachusetts Institute of Technology Places First in the 2010 ASME Innovation Showcase

NEW YORK, June 9, 2010 -ASME has announced that a student team from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has won first place in the 4th Annual ASME Innovation Showcase (IShow), which took place on June 5 in Pittsburgh, Pa. The ASME IShow provides the full experience of product development and commercialization to undergraduate and graduate students, bridging the gap between engineering knowledge and practical business skills.

The MIT team, comprised of both graduate and undergraduate students, was awarded $10,000 to further develop its invention, the Leveraged Freedom Chair, a lever-propelled wheelchair designed specifically for use in developing countries. Unlike current wheelchairs on the market, the Leveraged Freedom Chair enables the user to travel on sandy roads and muddy walking paths that are frequently encountered in these parts of the world. This product offers disabled people in developing countries the mobility solution they need, significantly improving the quality of life for these individuals. The team’s leader, Amos Winter, a graduate student currently pursuing a doctorate in mechanical engineering at MIT, presented the team’s innovative product during this year’s IShow.

The ASME Innovation Showcase is designed to inspire students to be product innovators and entrepreneurs, giving top collegiate teams an opportunity to compete for access to over $20,000 in prize funds to further develop their product. This competition requires contestants to use their technical knowledge and creativity to prove to the judges that they have a sustainable business model and a product that will have a major impact on their chosen area. The judges for the competition included a panel of successful innovators, industry experts, venture capitalists, and intellectual property specialists.

Prior to the competition, ASME IShow teams were matched with mentors from their local entrepreneurial community – angel fund investors, universities, and technology-based economic development services – to help them refine their product, develop a business model, and create a product “pitch”. Over 30 team submissions were received this year, with ten finalists chosen by the judges to participate in the ASME IShow competition.

“In the past four years, the ASME IShow has proven to be an excellent opportunity for young engineers to use the business and technical skills they have learned in the classroom that are required to meet the challenges faced by engineers today,” said Robert T. Simmons, P.E, president of ASME. “All of the participants in this competition have exemplified the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit needed to be successful in the field of engineering.”

Stanford University finished second and received $7,000 for their product, the 6Dot Braille Labeler, and the University of Detroit Mercy’s Stability Enhanced Assistive Lift for the Elderly (SEALE) won $5,000 and took third place in the competition. The 2010 ASME IShow was held in conjuntion with the 2010 ASME Annual Meeting at the Omni William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh, Pa.

About ASME ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world.

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Media contact: Regina Nisita rnisita@affectstrategies.com or 212.398.9680 ext 145

ASME Contact: John Varrasi varrasij@asme.org or 212.591.8158