The Robotic Industries Association (RIA) has launched an incubator program featuring the Robot Market Assessment Program (RMAP), which will fund and support formalized analysis of potential new markets for industrial robots. RIA will accept the first round of funding requests through March 31, 2006. "If you think you see an opportunity in a new area, for instance recreational vehicles or homeland security or medical . . . let RIA fund the initial research to help you validate your technology or business plan," says RIA Executive Vice President, Donald A. Vincent. (www.roboticsonline.com)
The Wireless Sensor Networking (WSN) Special Interest Group (SIG) of Silicon Valley has organized, with the Silicon Valley Association of Start-up Entrepreneurs (SVASE), a business plan competition for WSN startups. "We want to give to small companies an opportunity to present in front of the most prestigious venture capital firms in Silicon Valley," says Giovanni Tripodi of the WSN SIG. Submission (deadline is March 31, 2006)—and presentation, for those selected—is free. (http://tinyurl.com/9ba5c)