Nexus Partners Boeing HorizonX and International Speedway Corporation Contribute to 'Game-Changing' Ideas

Boeing HorizonX and International Speedway Corporation (ISC) are investing in future technologies that will benefit the aerospace and motorsports industries, as sponsors of Embry-Riddle's expanded Launch Your Venture competition. The annual business-pitch contest promotes innovation and student startups.

Boeing HorizonX and ISC are two of five Nexus Partners at the John Mica Engineering and Aerospace Innovation Complex (MicaPlex), located adjacent to the Daytona Beach Campus. As part of the partnership, contributors provide philanthropic support for key university and student initiatives like Launch Your Venture. Other Nexus partners include CEO Business Alliance, global software solutions leader Wellspring, and healthcare industry provider DuvaSawko EM Billing & Management Solutions.

“By investing in companies that are developing transformative technologies, game-changing manufacturing methods and new business models, we aim to unlock new capabilities and ways of thinking that could shape the future of the aerospace industry,” said Brian Schettler, managing director of Boeing HorizonX Ventures. “We are proud to share this future-focused mission with Embry-Riddle and support burgeoning entrepreneurs who could change the way we approach transportation, aviation and aerospace.”

For the 2019 Launch Your Venture competition, Boeing HorizonX is the presenting sponsor and International Speedway Corporation (ISC) is a platinum sponsor.

“Our existing relationship with the university and its research park has enabled us to see how events and competitions like this are launching pads for the future, not only in the motorsports industry, but also for our community and the state,” said Craig Neeb, executive vice president, chief innovation and development officer for ISC.

The university is opening the participant pool for the 2019 competition to hundreds more future business leaders across Florida. The event will take place in April at Embry-Riddle’s campus in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Startup teams representing colleges and universities throughout the state will vie for top prize money. Organized in partnership with Embry-Riddle’s Center for Entrepreneurship, the 2019 competition theme is: “Disruptive Technology and Business Model Innovation."

Participants will showcase their products and ideas that could transform the aviation, aerospace and engineering industries. Industry experts and potential investors will judge participants’ entries based on transformative technological applications and originality and business potential. In addition to cash awards, winners will receive in-kind consultations on information technology support, early-stage venture funding, accounting, intellectual property, marketing and more.

“Having Boeing HorizonX as a current Nexus Partner and sponsor of this groundbreaking competition further exemplifies our commitment to being at the forefront of providing the necessary tools for innovative startups to be successful,” said Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler. “By expanding the participant pool for this event and including major industry sponsors like Boeing and ISC, game-changing technology startups will have a platform to expose their bleeding-edge technologies to industry at the highest level.”

For more details about how to become a Nexus Partner and support innovative student programs, go to erau.edu/micaplex/become-a-nexus-partner.