New York's Next Top Makers is a challenge to prototype new designs that have commercial potential.

The goal of the challenge is to support design-driven production, and promote a culture of innovation and commercialization within New York City’s industrial business, design and engineering communities.

Finalists

Six finalists have been chosen from more than 50 entries.

• Nautilus Bowl is the only bowl for people with hand disabilities, like tremors, painful joints, or reduced dexterity that is ergonomic to hold and dignified to use.
• The Power Clip is a device that gives first responders immediate access to power in the wake of an emergency. The compact unit provides an efficient and inexpensive power source to charge appliances through USB from a car battery.
• MYBELL is an electronic bicycle bell that retains the feel of the classic bicycle bell design.  It combines LED lighting and a high-volume sound player to alert pedestrians and cyclists to a rider’s presence. 
• Tangeez are building modules that light-up and change color as you play with them.  Circular in shape, individually powered and internally illuminated, Tangeez are both an interactive toy and design object.
• Bonus Table is a customizable furniture system.  Universal segmented legs allow you to design the table that's right for you and your evolving life.
• Slide Table is the popular choice finalist.  It is an aesthetic and functional solution to both dining and decor.  A variable length table surface, Slide Table stores flat on the wall conserving space when not in use, and easily slides down and out to serve as a shelf, a desk or a dining table up to 6 feet long.

About

All six finalists will receive assistance on the path to commercialization during a five-month Studio Phase. Assistance will include studio space from sponsor NYDesigns, business support, and mentorship from industry experts such as Adafruit Industries, Honeybee Robotics and Shapeways. After the Studio phase, finalists will publically showcase their progress and their prototypes. Judges will then select one Grand Prize winner from the six finalists to receive an $11,000 cash prize.

Find out more about the Challenge

Timeline

Prizes

Grand Prize - Most Promising Business Award - $11,000

Awarded to the Finalist that makes the most progress during the Studio Phase and shows the greatest promise for continued business success.

Finalist Award (5) - $6,180

Finalists will participate in the Studio Phase from April 2013 to August 2013. During this "business accelerator," up to three members of each finalist team or organization will receive 5 months of studio space from NYDesigns (valued at approximately $1,650), $300 in 3D printing services from Shapeways, a starter and extended kit from LittleBits (valued at over $230), as well as a $4,000 budget for prototyping materials and access to equipment. Technical support and mentorship from other industry leaders such as Adafruit Industries and Honeybee Robotics will also be provided.

Popular Choice Finalist - $6,180

The Popular Choice Finalist will also participate in the Studio Phase from April 2013 to August 2013. During this "business accelerator," up to three members of the finalist team or organization will receive 5 months of studio space from NYDesigns (valued at approximately $1,650), $300 in 3D printing services from Shapeways, a starter and extended kit from LittleBits (valued at over $230), as well as a $4,000 budget for prototyping materials and access to equipment. Technical support, and mentorship from other industry leaders such as Adafruit Industries and Honeybee Robotics will also be provided.