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In conjunction with the Internet of Things World Forum (IoTWF), Cisco is kicking off the second Innovation Grand Challenge for startups to further demonstrate its ongoing commitment to drive IoT innovations. This global competition aims to promote and accelerate the adoption of breakthrough technologies and products created by startups that will contribute to the growth and evolution of IoT in applications, analytics, management, security and connectivity.
Applications for this year’s Innovation Grand Challenge can be submitted starting Monday, June 22 and will be accepted through Friday, September 4th. Winners will be announced at the 2015 IoTWF. Judges will award $250,000 in prizes to help winners further develop their startups. In addition, Cisco will provide winners with executive and expert mentoring and training. They will also be provided with the opportunity to develop, test and pilot new technologies in Cisco’s labs, plus potential investment and partnering opportunities in the future. Last year, the 2014 IoT Innovation Grand Challenge brought in nearly 1,000 submissions from over 100 countries and awarded Berlin-based Relayr the grand prize. ASEAN submissions in 2014 numbered to 53, with four teams representing Malaysia. Primary industries addressed by entries included smart cities, education and healthcare. Cisco Country Manager for Malaysia Albert Chai said, “Cisco is encouraged by the level of participation seen from Malaysian startups at the 2014 IoT Innovation Grand Challenge and we hope to see more Malaysian interest for the challenge this year.” He added, “Malaysia is starting to enjoy a thriving startup landscape with strong government support through initiatives spearheaded by organisations such as the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) and the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC). No doubt as the local startup scene evolves, we shall start seeing greater innovations that will support IoT locally. Cisco is committed to supporting the growth of IoT technologies from these entrepreneurs while also being the driver of a more connected and secure Malaysia.” The Internet of Things World Forum (IoTWF) The Internet of Things World Forum (IoTWF) Steering Committee announced the second Innovation Grand Challenge during an event on May 12 at Cisco Headquarters in San Jose, California. Along with the announcement, the committee finalised the objectives and success criteria for this year’s upcoming plenary IoTWF event in December. Following last year’s successful IoTWF in Chicago, Illinois, Cisco is proud to host this year’s event in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Taking place December 6-8 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the IoTWF will bring together global thought leaders, vertical industry and academic professionals, government officials and technology innovators to discuss the growth and advantages of IoT in the region as it develops into a Smart City, as well as the greater global impact of IoT. Internet of Things World Forum Steering Committee The Internet of Things World Forum is guided by a Steering Committee representing thought leaders from businesses, universities, cities, and governments worldwide. The IoTWF Steering Committee aims to secure a provocative thought leadership agenda addressing top market opportunities and challenges impacting global, political, and environmental issues. The committee focuses on addressing topics that improve the lives of citizens in broad areas such as health, education, innovation, transportation, job creation and security. Supporting Quotes “Winning the Innovation Grand Challenge last year gave us credibility and market acceptance right out of the gates,” said Jackson Bond, co-founder and head of product, Relayr. “Cisco’s support even after the competition has presented us with many opportunities. This kind of outreach and support has demonstrated Cisco’s commitment to the startup ecosystem and innovation beyond the corporate walls.” Maciej Kranz, vice president, Cisco Corporate Technology Group says “From addressing key IoT technology challenges, the industry is now focusing on accelerating innovations our connected world. This is why we are very excited to bring back the Innovation Grand Challenge and would like to strongly encourage innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs to submit their ideas and solutions. “ About the Internet of Things World Forum The Internet of Things World Forum is a global event created to unite industry leaders and drive discussions around the impact of the Internet of Things on the global economy, society, and the environment. Kicking off its inaugural event in Barcelona, Spain in October 2013, the IoTWF has grown in attendance and has generated lasting, impactful discussions resulting in thousands of attendees and spiking the interest of several key partners to participate in the 2014’s IoTWF in Chicago, Illinois. At the end of 2015, the IoTWF will bring together the best and brightest minds and innovators from business, government, and academia in Dubai to lead discussions in setting a new global standard for an Internet of Things powered world. About Cisco Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in IT that helps companies seize the opportunities of tomorrow by proving that amazing things can happen when you connect the previously unconnected. For ongoing news, please go to http://thenetwork.cisco.com. Cisco products are supplied in Malaysia by the channel partners of Cisco Systems International, B.V., or Cisco International Limited, both being wholly-owned subsidiaries of Cisco Systems, Inc.
