DETROIT ? The organizers of the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition announced both VMware?s newly appointed CIO, Tony Scott, along with Morgan Stanley Managing Director, Carla Harris, as the competition?s 2013 keynote speakers. Harris was recently appointed by President Obama to chair the National Women?s Business Council.

The Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition is a global business competition fostering entrepreneurial activity within Michigan?s vibrant start-up community. The competition runs in two tracks ? international business and Michigan collegiate students ? and is focused on innovation and design in the following industry sectors:

Advanced Materials

Alternative Energy

Information Technology

Life Science

Medical Device

Next Generation Manufacturing

Products & Services

Transportation/New Mobility

?We?re thrilled to have both Mr. Scott and Mrs. Harris on board for this year?s competition,? said David Egner, Executive Director at the New Economy Initiative, a founder and main supporter of the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition. ?Their participation reflects the incredible entrepreneurial momentum, energy and interest we?re seeing in every corner of the state right now. Having recognized leaders and pioneers like Tony and Carla join us as we host entrepreneurs and investors from around the world validates the hard work being done here and speaks even more to a great future for Michigan.?

Accelerate Michigan continues to grow and gather interest from across the globe, drawing applications from more than 1,100 businesses world-wide, from as far as India, Switzerland, Vietnam and the United Kingdom since the competition was first held in 2010. Additionally, Accelerate Michigan has attracted more than 1,000 collegiate entrepreneurs along with investors from more than 80 North American and international venture firms.

For the second year in a row, the competition will be held at downtown Detroit?s historic Westin Book Cadillac from November 12th through the 14th. It will culminate with the Gala awards at Orchestra Hall on the evening of November 14th.