A new effort to connect startups and product developers with experts in their fields in Arizona is opening on Tuesday, Feb. 21.
Phoenix Analysis & Design Technologies (PADT), Avnet, Tiempo Development and the Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation (CEI) have teamed up for Design Days to provide design and production consultations for local startups and product developers.
Design Days is a free service and will be offered every month.
The Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation is hosting the Design Days with the next session starting Tuesday, Feb. 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
“We’ve compiled a roster of top industry experts in product development from a wide-range of disciplines for Design Days,” said Patti Dubois, Assistant Executive Director at CEI. “Our goal is simply to lend a hand to entrepreneurs who aspire to develop great products and software. When we’re able to help an organization or individual grow and innovate, it elevates Arizona’s technology community as a whole.”
CEI lends its space as participants will gain access to engineers who will be available to offer one-on-one assistance with product development needs. These experts will provide their opinions on the feasibility of an idea, make recommendations on the product development process, provide ballpark estimates on design and development costs, identify key differentiators of a product and more. All companies and individuals needing product development support for physical and software designs are encouraged to participate.
“CEI is the leading incubator and accelerator in the Valley making them the perfect host for Design Days,” said Eric Miller, principal and co-founder at PADT. “We are proud to partner with CEI, Avnet and Tiempo in support of helping entrepreneurs develop revolutionary innovations that will continue to put Arizona on the map as a leading tech hub.”
PADT, the Southwest’s largest provider of simulation, product development and 3D printing services and products, will provide physical product design and prototyping consultation. Avnet, a global company ranked on the FORTUNE 500, with extensive knowledge of electronic component solutions and embedded computing products, will give advice on electrical engineering. Tiempo Development, named one of the 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America, from 2011 to 2015, specializes in offshore software development in nearshore locations, and will provide software architecture consultation.
“We’re very excited to be involved with Design Days and to work alongside these wonderful partners,” said Mike Hahn, vice president of engineering at Tiempo Development. “Our organization has always been dedicated to giving back to the Valley, and I can’t think of better way to support our community than by offering our staff’s expertise to budding startups and entrepreneurs.”
“CEI has helped to establish one of the premier locations for young technology hopefuls in the nation, said Eric Leahy, Emerging Business Development Manager, Avnet. “The opportunity to be part of the next generation of a tech superstar’s growth is something we are always eager to do. I’d like to give a big thanks to CEI, PADT and Tiempo for working with us in putting on such a great event.”
