HAVERHILL, MA -- The field of competitors vying for cash prizes and free prototype builds as part of the Haverhill Hardware Horizons Challenge has been pared to 13.

Those left standing made their pitches this week to a panel of made up a trio of executives with engineering, marketing and business experience.

Of the 13 companies remaining, several are proposing new medical electronics, while others include industrial and energy-related businesses and sensor-driven applications. All the products under consideration must be within 24 months of commercialization, according to contest rules.

On Tuesday, each company made a 20-minute pitch to the panel and submitted written applications. Panelists, who include Rich Byrne, senior vice president and general manager, Mitre Corp., Randolph Sablich, president and chief executive, Metrigraphics, and Michael Mullaley, chief marketing officer, Symmetric, will chose three to six finalists. The final judging takes place in April.

The Haverhill Hardware Horizons Challenge is a partnership between Northern Essex Community College, EMS firm Lightspeed Manufacturing and several other Haverhill area businesses.

The winner will receive up to six free printed circuit board prototypes and $10,000 in cash, while all the finalists will receive access to Lightspeed's design services and PCB manufacturing services and various other consulting aid.

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