Hurco announces first ever Chipmaker Challenge contest. The Chipmaker Challenge gives new shops the chance to pitch their business plan, win a brand new machine, and control their future with their choice of a Hurco VMX42i mill or TM8i lathe. Qualified participants will answer a series of questions and provide an essay and/or video during the application period closing Aug 8, 2014. The top five finalists will appear at IMTS to pitch their business plan, win a brand new machine, and control their future with Hurco CNC technology.

“The idea of the Chipmaker Challenge evolved as we discussed ways to add some excitement to IMTS and get publicity for the entrepreneurs in our industry who do remarkable things each and every day,” said Braun. “Our customers are competitive, proud of the businesses they’ve built, and the products they make. We decided to model the Chipmaker Challenge after the TV show Shark Tank in order to create an exciting, competitive, entertaining event that showcases manufacturing entrepreneurs and highlights the hi-tech aspect of manufacturing in this country. We know there is an effort to rebrand manufacturing so young people and their parents better understand 21st century manufacturing and we hope the Chipmaker Challenge might bring more attention to the industry,” continued Braun.

Chipmaker ChallengePurpose: Competition to support and promote manufacturing entrepreneurism.Sponsored by HurcoRequirements to Apply: Legal resident of the USA. Must be 18 years or older. Must be early stage manufacturing business that would benefit from CNC machine. Early stage is defined as a company in business 5 years or less as of July 1, 2014. Scroll to bottom of page to see full Eligibility RequirementsPrize: Winner’s Choice: Hurco VMX42i mill or TM8i lathe

For more information or to enter the Chipmaker Challenge contest, visit www.hurco.com.