Cisco today announced the 2014 return of the Internet of Things World Forum, a global event which will see thought leaders, business leaders and practitioners in business, industry, government and academia gather to discuss developments in the rapidly emerging Internet of Things (IoT) market. The two-day meeting will take place in Chicago from October 14.
Announcing this in a press release, Cisco also announced the IoT Innovation Grand Challenge for startup businesses. This global open competition aims to recognize, promote and accelerate the adoption of breakthrough technologies and products created by startups that will contribute to the growth and evolution of the IoT.
Through the Internet of Things Innovation Grand Challenge, Cisco said it wanted to encourage and support the next generation of entrepreneurs and startups that were developing technologies in areas of applications, analytics, management and connectivity. Submissions will be accepted beginning April 21 through July 1, 2014.
The Internet of Things is the technology foundation of the Internet of Everything, defined as the networked connection of people, process, data and things. Cisco estimates the potential impact from this increased connectivity created by the Internet of Everything to reach up to US $19 trillion “value at stake” for businesses and governments over the next nine years.
“The Internet of Things is creating a new powerful innovation cycle spanning across technologies, markets and domains,” said Maciej Kranz, Vice-president, Cisco Corporate Technology Group. “Cisco is working with startups, innovators and research communities to foster technology breakthroughs and to accelerate their development and adoption via its global network of Innovation Centers. The Cisco Internet of Things Innovation Grand Challenge is another example of how we are partnering with the industry to fully realize the promise of the Internet of Things.”
About the Internet of Things World Forum
The Internet of Things World Forum is an invite-only event created to unite global leaders for a collaborative industry discussion that will accelerate the impact of the Internet of Things on the global economy, society and the environment. The inaugural Internet of Things World Forum that took place in October 2013 in Barcelona, Spain.
Image Credit: IoT World Forum
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