Avnet and Arizona State University Invite Enterprising Students to Compete in Third Annual ASU Innovation Open

Visionary student ventures from across the country are invited to compete for a $100,000 grand prize to further their new technology innovations

Avnet AVT, a leading global technology solutions provider, today announced that in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, applications are now being accepted for the 2019 ASU Innovation Open (ASUio), a multi-round competition that supports student ventures from across the United States in driving technology innovation and entrepreneurship. Students will compete for a grand prize of $100,000 to continue development of ventures powered by new hardware technologies. Interested teams should apply online and applications will be accepted through October 31, 2018.

"At Avnet, we have a passion for working with students to promote entrepreneurship. Together with Arizona State University, we are able to encourage and build that entrepreneurial spirit through the Innovation Open," said MaryAnn Miller, senior vice president, chief human resources officer, and global marketing & communications for Avnet. "As technology continues to change the way we live, we are excited to see how students are working to change our world for the better, and we look forward to helping them along the way."

"The Innovation Open is a terrific example of ASU's commitment to supporting entrepreneurship in all of its forms," said Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering Dean Kyle Squires. "The success of last year's competition was due in large part to the leadership and commitment of Avnet, along with other dedicated sponsors and ASU colleagues. We are looking forward to drawing an even broader range of competitors as we move forward."

The ASUio is open to all current university students from any academic discipline. Submissions must include a five-minute video pitch that discusses the problem solved by the team's technology, as well as the overall competitive landscape, business model and team makeup.

The ASUio will take place in three rounds:

• First Round: All applicants will be evaluated by entrepreneur judges with entries narrowed to 15 semi-finalists who will advance to the next round.
• Semi-Finals: On December 8, 2018, semi-finalists will present their projects in-person before a select panel of expert judges at ASU SkySong in Scottsdale, Arizona. Five finalists will be selected to advance to the finals.
• Finals: Finalists will deliver in-person pitches before a panel of judges during the Final Demo Day at the ASU Memorial Union on February 1, 2019, in Tempe, Arizona. In addition, finalists will get to participate in a VIP experience. One student venture will be awarded the $100,000 grand prize.

For more information on the ASUio, to submit an application, or for the list of rules, please visit www.winasu.io.

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About Avnet

From idea to design and from prototype to production, Avnet supports customers at each stage of a product's lifecycle. A comprehensive portfolio of design and supply chain services makes Avnet the go-to guide for innovators who set the pace for technological change. For nearly a century, Avnet has helped its customers and suppliers around the world realize the transformative possibilities of technology. Learn more about Avnet at: www.avnet.com.

About the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering

The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, with more than 21,000 enrolled students, is the largest engineering school in the United States, offering 39 graduate and 25 undergraduate degree programs across six schools of academic focus. With students, faculty and researchers representing all 50 states and 135 countries, the Fulton Schools of Engineering is creating an inclusive environment for engineering excellence by advancing research and innovation at scale, revolutionizing engineering education and expanding global outreach and partner engagement. Learn more about the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at engineering.asu.edu.

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