Startupbootcamp, a global network of industry-focused accelerators, has launched Startupbootcamp IoT | Connected Devices, a dedicated Internet of Things (IoT) programme.
This is designed to provide successful startups with unprecedented guidance and access to mentors, partners and investors in the IoT and hardware space.
Applications are now open to companies from across the world, with 10 startups chosen to join the three month programme which begins in September 2016. Successful startups will each receive $16339.12 (€15,000) and work at the brand new 70,000 sq ft. Cocoon Networks lab in London.
Given how the Internet of Things landscape has evolved in the past two years, Startupbootcamp IoT | Connected Devices is focused on innovative companies with a Smart Connected Device within both Consumer IoT (Wearables and Connected Homes) and Industrial IoT (Smart Environment, Smart Factories and Smart Retail). The program is working with program sponsors such as Premier Farnell/element14, HWTrek and MJ Hudson, as well as Startupbootcamp investors Cisco Investments and DLL, to provide successful applicants with a wide-ranging network from which to draw knowledge from. Furthermore, at the end of the three month acceleration, the program’s startups will pitch their company to 250+ investors and mentors on Demo Day, set to take place on December 7, 2016.
The IoT industry is predicted to contain between 20 and 30 billion connected devices by 2020, with a range of startups poised to tap into this growing market. The question facing many of them is how to navigate this complex and still evolving field, from addressing security concerns to establishing user-friendly protocols. Founded and led by Raph Crouan, Startupbootcamp IoT | Connected Devices will bring together some of the very best minds in IoT and hardware such as Alexandra Deschamps-Sonsino (both CEO & founder of Good Night Lamp & head of the IoT Meetup) to help the startups answer these difficult questions. This will all take place within a free coworking space complemented by a full fast prototyping lab at Cocoon Networks.
Crouan commented: “Over the past 18 months we have worked closely with a number of small and large companies in this space across the globe (from Europe to Asia), and in that time it has become apparent that a dedicated IoT accelerator is needed to help foster the incredible talent we have in Europe, and throughout the world. We want to help these entrepreneurs solve their unique IoT challenges, whilst giving them the perfect platform from which to take their business to the next level.”
Steven Webb, general counsel at Premier Farnell/element14, said: “We are delighted to partner with the Startupbootcamp IoT | Connected Devices programme in London. We are heavily engaged in the rapidly developing area of IoT and see the huge potential of the market. We believe that new start-ups will play a crucial role in fulfilling this potential, acting as a significant source of fresh ideas that will generate growth in both Consumer and Industrial IoT. Our range of products and services cover many of the needs of start-ups like these, from the latest components to design support and manufacturing, together with a global channel to market. We are looking forward to supporting them on their innovative journey through Startupbootcamp and beyond.”
You can apply for the Startupbootcamp IoT | Connected Devices program on http://startupbootcamp.org/accelerator/iot-connected-devices.html. Applications close June 13th. For further information, you can reach the Startupbootcamp Team at iot@startupbootcamp.org.
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