IoT accelerator program seeks applications from start-ups

element14 has announced its partnership with Startupbootcamp IoT | Connected Devices, a dedicated Internet of Things (IoT) accelerator program from Startupbootcamp. The partnership will see element14 work with the program to provide support to IoT and hardware start-ups from across the world.

The accelerator program, which launched on 2 March, is seeking applications from start-ups across the world with a focus on innovation in consumer or industrial IoT; for example, wearables, the connected home, industrial IoT and smart retail.

Ten start-ups will be selected to engage in an intensive three-month program starting in September 2016, with each one receiving €15,000 and guidance and support from mentors, partners and investors, including element14. The program will take place in a brand new, 6500 m² fast prototyping lab at Cocoon Networks in London.

As a corporate partner, element14 will play an integral role in supporting the start-ups in taking their initial concepts through to a finished product in an aggressive three-month development process. At the end of the three-month acceleration, the program’s start-ups will pitch their company to 250+ investors and mentors on a Demo Day, set to take place on 7 December 2016.

“New start-ups play a crucial role in fulfilling the IoT’s potential, acting as a significant source of fresh ideas that will generate growth in both consumer and industrial markets,” said Steven Webb, general counsel at element14. “However, if truly innovative solutions are to be developed, we must provide greater support for ideas beyond access to products.

“element14 is ideally placed to spearhead a new generation of innovation in the IoT through the Startupbootcamp initiative and enable start-ups to navigate this complex and evolving field. We have helped to bring to market some of the world’s leading electronics products, including the Raspberry Pi, CodeBug and most recently the BBC Micro:bit, and by championing innovation in our sector, we look forward to finding the next big innovations in electronics-related design.”

“Our program is designed to provide successful start-up applicants with unprecedented guidance and access to mentors, partners and investors in the IoT and hardware,” said Startupbootcamp founder Raph Crouan. “element14 is such a relevant and appropriate community for this program that it will play a critical role in our wide-ranging network, providing a full range of products and services to help entrepreneurs take their IoT concepts to the next level.”

Start-ups can apply for the Startupbootcamp IoT | Connected Devices program on the Startupbootcamp website. Applications close on 13 June.

Originally published here.