[July 30, 2015] |
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SoftBank Launches 'SoftBank Innovation Program'
SoftBank
Corp. ("SoftBank"), a subsidiary of SoftBank
Group Corp. (TOKYO: 9984), today announced that it launched the 'SoftBank
Innovation Program', a program that seeks a wide range of innovative
solutions and technologies from outside the company for joint
consideration and commercialization.
The SoftBank Innovation Program's aim is to create new value by taking
reviewed and selected third-party innovative solutions and technologies
and combining them with SoftBank's own resources. For applicants that
make the shortlist, SoftBank will provide funding for prototype
development, environments for test marketing and other forms of
assistance. Applicants that make it to the final stage will be able to
deploy their offerings on SoftBank's sales channels in Japan, and
potentially into global markets through other companies in the SoftBank
Group such as Brightstar
Corp. and Sprint
Corporation.
The first round of the SoftBank Innovation Program is open to four
categories-Smart Homes*1, Connected Vehicles*2,
Digital Marketing and Healthcare-and applications will be accepted at
the SoftBank Innovation Program official website. An explanation session
will be held in Tokyo on August 19 for applicants or those planning to
apply.
*1 Residences with home appliances and equipment that are connected
to the Internet.
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*2 Vehicles that are always connected to the Internet.
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Outline of First Round of SoftBank Innovation Program
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1.
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Entry period:
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July 31 to September 30, 2015 (JST)
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2.
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Four categories:
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Smart Homes, Connected Vehicles, Digital Marketing, Healthcare
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3.
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Eligibility:
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Program submissions will be accepted from organizations of all
sizes, from venture businesses to large companies. (Applications
will be accepted from any country, but applicants must be able to
interview in Tokyo or Silicon Valley).
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More Information on SoftBank Innovation Program / Where to apply
URL: http://www.softbank.jp/en/biz/innovation/
(SoftBank Innovation Program official website)
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About SoftBank Corp.
SoftBank Corp., a subsidiary of SoftBank Group Corp. (TOKYO: 9984),
provides mobile communication, fixed-line communication and Internet
connection services to customers in Japan. Leveraging synergies with
other companies in the SoftBank Group, SoftBank Corp. aims to transform
lifestyles through ICT and expand into other business areas including
IoT, robotics and energy.
About Brightstar (News - Alert)
Brightstar, a subsidiary of SoftBank Group Corp., is the world's largest
specialized wireless distributor and a leading provider of diversified
services focused on enhancing the performance and results of the key
participants in the wireless device value chain: manufacturers,
operators and retailers. In 2014, Brightstar reported global net
revenues of more than $10 billion and employs about 9,000 people on six
continents.
Brightstar is partnering with Kii, a leading mobile and IoT back-end
platform provider, to better connect the IoT market by creating a new
global ecosystem called "Space: The Infinity of Things™" to support the
development and distribution of IoT products into retail and mobile
operator channels.
For more information, please visit Brightstar.com.
About Sprint (News - Alert)
Sprint (NYSE: S) is a communications services company that creates more
and better ways to connect its customers to the things they care about
most. Sprint served more than 57 million connections as of March 31,
2015 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying
innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a
national carrier in the United States; leading no-contract brands
including Virgin Mobile (News - Alert) USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless;
instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a
global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Sprint has been named to the Dow Jones
Sustainability Index (DJSI) North America for the past four years. You
can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com
or www.facebook.com/sprint
and www.twitter.com/sprint.
*
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On July 1, 2015, SoftBank Mobile Corp. changed its name to SoftBank
Corp.
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•
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SoftBank, the SoftBank name and logo are registered trademarks or
trademarks of SoftBank Group Corp. in Japan and other countries.
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Information in this press release regarding product and service
prices, specifications and inquiry details are current as of the
time of announcement. This information is subject to change and may
become out-of-date.
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View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150730006813/en/
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