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Got the Next Big Innovation for the Internet of Things? Enter the Bluetooth Breakthrough Awards
[May 20, 2015]

Got the Next Big Innovation for the Internet of Things? Enter the Bluetooth Breakthrough Awards


The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) today opened its call for entries for the 2016 Bluetooth® Breakthrough Awards. The awards program recognizes the best products, applications, prototypes, and student projects that use Bluetooth technology to make the Internet of Things a reality. Applicants may enter in one of the four categories - Product, Application, Prototype, or Student Project at https://www.bluetooth.org/en-us/news-events/bluetooth-breakthrough-awards.

"The Bluetooth Breakthrough Awards highlight the ever-changing ways Bluetooth technology is making our lives easier, safer, or just more fun," said Errett Kroeter, senior director of marketing at the Bluetooth SIG. "When we see the breadth of entries that come in each year, we are reminded of the critical importance Bluetooth plays in the future of digital innovation. As we enter the age of the Internet of Things, large companies, start-ups, students, hobbyists, and innovators of all kinds count on Bluetooth technology to make their big ideas a reality."

The deadline for submissions is 2 November 2015. Review units must be shipped to 202 South Lowell Lane, Austin, TX, 78733 and be received by 4 November 2015.

WINNERS & PRIZES

Winners for each category and an overall winner will be revealed at the Bluetooth SIG's media event on January 5, during the 2016 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES (News - Alert)) in Las Vegas. Winners will be selected from a list of finalists to be announced in late November.

Winners will have the opportunity to attend and showcase their products at the 2016 Bluetooth SIG CES Media Event. The overall winner will be awarded two round-trip tickets to attend Bluetooth World 2016, with entry into the event and free exhibition space, valued at $12,500 USD. The Student category winner will receive a cash prize of $5,000 USD.

ENTRY GUIDELINES

Al submissions must use Bluetooth technology and must be complete. The program is open to all, but entries readily available for sale must come from Bluetooth SIG member companies. Entrants are encouraged to send review units and submit a short video highlighting their product, application, or prototype at work.



Entries will be judged based on level of innovation, ease of use, best implementation of Bluetooth technology, correct use of brand trademarks, and highlight Bluetooth's role in the Internet of Things. Additional category specific criteria include the following:

Breakthrough Products - Entries must be released and available for purchase or pre-order between 6 January 2015 and 5 January 2016. This category is open to Bluetooth SIG members, and products must have a Bluetooth Declaration by product launch date.


Breakthrough Applications - Entries must be for software applications launched and available for download between 6 January 2015 and 5 January 2016. Application submissions must come from member companies.

Breakthrough Prototypes - Entries must be for Bluetooth products and applications in development that have a workable prototype.

Breakthrough Students - Entries need to be in concept or prototype format for consideration. Entrants must be actively enrolled high school, college-level, or post-graduate students. Entrants under the age of 18 will be required to have a signed release form from a parent or guardian. Student submissions will benefit from a letter of recommendation by a teacher or professor.

The SIG - along with platinum award sponsor Nordic Semiconductor, gold sponsor Frontine Test Equipment, Inc., and silver sponsors Anaren, Broadcom Corporation (News - Alert), and CSR - welcomes submissions that demonstrate Bluetooth technology enabling the Internet of Things.

Questions about the program can be directed to [email protected].

About Bluetooth® Wireless Technology

Bluetooth wireless technology is the global wireless standard enabling simple, secure connectivity for an expanding range of devices and serves as the backbone of the connected world. Bluetooth Smart technology, through an updatable platform and low power consumption, creates new application opportunities for the mobile phone, consumer electronics, PC, automotive, health & fitness and smart home industries. With nearly three billion devices shipping annually, Bluetooth is the wireless technology of choice for developers, product manufacturers, and consumers worldwide. Backed by industry leading companies, the Bluetooth SIG empowers over 26,000 member companies to collaborate, innovate and guide Bluetooth wireless technology. For more information, please visit www.bluetooth.com.

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