At the Mobile World Congress held earlier this month, Cisco, Deutsche Telekom and Intel announced their corporate startup accelerator for 2015 dubbed Challenge Up!, a joint Internet of Things (IoT) accelerator for startups from the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regions.
The program aims to empower innovative IoT startups with unique project development, mentoring, high-value networking and corporate assets.
This accelerator program is on to enrol IoT related startups involved in cloud computing, connectivity, analytics, big data, information security, creating smart solutions (smart home, smart city, smart energy, connected cars, wearables, Industry 4.0).
“We are looking forward to the creative ideas for new products and services from across the region to improve how we live and work together. By giving startups access to the complementary resources of our three global companies we can help them accelerate their ideas into commercial success,” said Christian Morales, Corporate Vice President and General Manager Europe, Middle East and Africa at Intel.
The event featuring the acceleration week will kick off in June from 22nd through 26th, 2015, while a 4-month incubation program will hold in Krakow, Berlin and Vienna from July to October. Select startups will participate for free with no equity required and keep their intellectual property.
“With Challenge Up! we are giving a great signal to the startup world, bringing together the resources and know-how of three corporations. We will use our combined experience for the benefit of the Challenge Up! program and the support of the startup community,” said Elias Drakopoulos, Senior Vice President responsible for Europe B2B at Deutsche Telekom.
Interested startups can apply here as a participant, mentor/coach and jury. Application will close May 25th. Selected startups may also receive financing, investments, and adequate support to commercialize their product or service for global markets.
All these will be powered by Cisco, Intel, and Deutsche Telekom.
