UK startups compete for wireless prize
The 22 judges for the 2013 Discovering Start-Ups competition include senior executives from BT, Google, Orange Labs, Qualcomm Ventures, Samsung and Vodafone Ventures as well as investors such as Cambridge Angels and NESTA.
The innovative ideas being pitched will range from a keyboard for wearable computers, a flat satellite antenna the size of a suitcase and cooperative wireless networks, to remote medical diagnosis technology, low bandwidth video and white space sensors.
AlgoDynamix in Cambridge provides real time analysis solutions for the detection, classification and quantification of major events such as natural disasters and financial disruptions, while Chromatrope of Berhamstead is developing a mobile application that turns ordinary product barcodes into smart codes – launching rich media directly into the hands of consumers.
ETAOI Systems in London has developed a keyboard for touch-screen devices, wearable computers, and the Internet of Things, taking up 70% less screen space than current keyboards. Leamington Electronics of Leamington Spa is using metamaterials for a low profile remote satellite communications device that makes it is possible to shrink a parabolic antenna into a planar device the size of a suit case.
A new organization, Love Hz, has been formed to enable organisations, individuals and communities to build real-world wireless applications using whitespace spectrum soon to be available in TV frequencies. Surrey-based WhiteSpace Water is also a contender with a range of Weightless-based sensors for the water sector.
A handheld non-invasive, minimal contact medical device has been developed by ScaNurse in London to diagnose over 20 different diseases, aimed at the consumer market for self-diagnosis and to provide a level of confidence about the need to seek professional advice.
Simpalarm in Bristol has developed an effective and affordable device designed to provide within-family telecare by unobtrusively monitoring a wide range of normal daily activities within the home such as movement, door opening, visitor arrival, water use and electricity use.
London-based SQR Systems has developed technology to securely distribute video data over low bandwidth and bandwidth varying networks with the capability of constantly optimising video in encrypted form, while Ubitech in Guildford is working on software to enable mobile phones and other devices to communicate directly with each other through the creation of a cooperative wireless network using voice, video and data.
Now in its fourth year, the Discovering Start-Ups national competition is run by Cambridge Wireless and Silicon South West – two of the UK’s leading technology industry networks – along with the support of London’s Tech City. It is sponsored by Qualcomm Ventures, as well as Google, Rohde & Schwarz, SETsquared, Microlease/Agilent Technologies and Taylor Wessing, who will host the pitch event at its London headquarters on September 30th.
“The quality, innovation and diversity of the entrants were higher than ever this year and it was not easy selecting 18 finalists,” said Dr Soraya Jones, CEO at Cambridge Wireless. “Those shortlisted now have the unique opportunity to get in front of potential investors and leading industry influencers, which could give a real kick-start to their ongoing success.”
“Samsung is continually on the lookout for innovative new technologies that can enhance our products and the Discovering Start-ups competition is a great way for promising companies to catch the eye of potential investors, customers and partners,” says Raj Gawera, Vice President of Samsung Cambridge Solutions Centre.
From the 18 finalists, five winning organisations will each receive a prize fund worth £5,000 including cash prizes sponsored by Qualcomm and tickets to Mobile World Congress provided by ICT KTN. The prize also comprises 12 month memberships to both Cambridge Wireless – the not-for-profit industry forum with a network of nearly 400 members involved in the development and application of wireless technologies – and SETsquared, including a business MOT, networking and mentoring support, investor readiness training and the prospect to be selected for various investor showcases in London and the US.
www.cambridgewireless.co.uk/dsu
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