IT start-up enterprises, thought leaders, and innovators are invited to showcase their ideas and solutions at Cisco's second Internet of Things Innovation Grand Challenge for startup businesses, to be held in Dubai.

This global competition, kicked off by Cisco, is one of the highlights of the Internet of Things World Forum (IoTWF), and aims to promote and accelerate the adoption of breakthrough technologies and products created by startups that will contribute to the growth and evolution of IoT in applications, analytics, management, security and connectivity.

The Internet of Things World Forum is a global event created to unite industry leaders and drive discussions around the impact of the Internet of Things on the global economy, society, and the environment. Taking place December 6-8 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the IoTWF will bring together global thought leaders, vertical industry and academic professionals, government officials and technology innovators to discuss the global impact of IoT.

Innovation Grand Challenge

The IoT Grand Innovation Challenge provides opportunities for startups, academics, and other interested parties to develop innovations in the Internet of Things landscape that can be showcased in the global scene. Last year, 5 Filipino IT start-ups submitted their ideas.

Winners will attend the 2015 IoTWF in Dubai and will receive $250,000 in prizes to help them further develop their startups. In addition, Cisco will provide winners with executive and expert mentoring and training. They will also be provided with the opportunity to develop, test and pilot new technologies in Cisco's labs, plus potential investment and partnering opportunities in the future.

"This is a perfect opportunity for Filipino IT startup and innovators s to showcase their wealth of ideas. Definitely, they have much to contribute to the development of IoT products and services that can change the way we live and do things. This will be a good opportunity to connect with other innovators from around the word who thrive in the world of ideas," said Louie Castaneda, Cisco Country Manager for the Philippines.

"In the past year, the industry has made significant progress in addressing key IoT technology challenges, use-cases and architectures," said Maciej Kranz, vice president, Cisco Corporate Technology Group. "Now more than ever we need to focus on accelerating innovations across the globe for a safer, sustainable, and more connected world. Which is why, we are very excited to bring back for the second time the Innovation Grand Challenge and would like to strongly encourage innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs to submit their ideas and solutions. "

Applications for this year's Innovation Grand Challenge can be submitted starting June 22 and will be accepted until September 4. Last year, the 2014 IoT Innovation Grand Challenge brought in nearly 1,000 submissions from over 100 countries and awarded Berlin-based Relayr the grand prize.

The Internet of Things World Forum is guided by a Steering Committee representing thought leaders from businesses, universities, cities, and governments worldwide. The IoTWF Steering Committee aims to secure a provocative thought leadership agenda addressing top market opportunities and challenges impacting global, political, and environmental issues. The committee focuses on addressing topics that improve the lives of citizens in broad areas such as health, education, innovation, transportation, job creation and security.

Since its inaugural event in Barcelona, Spain in October 2013, the IoTWF has grown in attendance and has generated lasting, impactful discussions resulting in thousands of attendees and spiking the interest of several key partners to participate in the 2014's IoTWF in Chicago, Illinois. Sponsors of the third IoTWF are Intel, Rockwell Automation and TTTech.

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