ConnectTVT, the initiative accelerating the growth of the digital ecosystem in the Thames Valley, has been selected by Digital Catapult’s IoTUK programme, to launch the Reading Smart City Challenge Weekend.
The event, which runs March 17-18 in Reading aims to accelerate SME development of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions based on the real-world challenges affecting smart city environments. The event is part of IoTUK Boost, the innovation support programme that seeks to advance the UK’s global leadership in the Internet of Things.
Not just another hackathon
Teams of up to four people, will be invited to apply for one of 10 places available at the event. Applications are open to start-up or small businesses, with each team needing both technology and business skillsets. Successful ideas could be adopted, funded and developed by key sponsors, aiming to bring Reading closer to becoming a truly smart city.
Across the weekend, well-known technology experts and business leaders will run master classes and provide mentoring to the teams to help bring their ideas to life. Guest entrepreneurs, sharing inspirational start-up stories will also join the event.
Get pitch-ready
The weekend culminates in a pitch, where teams will present their IoT-led solutions to a team of judges. Funding is available to invest in winning pitches.
Louize Clarke, founder of ConnectTVT, said: “We are so pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the IoT Boost programme. In November last year, Reading was recognised as one of Tech Nation’s tech clusters so we really need more events like this, that put us on the national radar. Partnering with the likes of Digital Catapult is another step towards this.”
Stephen Tolfree, IoTUK programme coordinator at Digital Catapult said: “IoTUK Boost has already helped SMEs and entrepreneurs across the UK to become more innovative and productive through the use of a Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN). The IoT is expected to be worth £81 billion to the UK by 2020, and create 67,000 jobs. We are absolutely thrilled to bring this initiative to Reading with ConnectTVT at the helm to further accelerate IoT growth in the region and SMEs’ IoT innovation.”
https://www.connecttvt.co.uk/event/iot-smart-city-challenge/
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