CODE_n 2015 kicks off
“Into the Internet of Things”– that’s this year’s theme for CODE_n, the global innovation contest initiated by GFT. The contest is looking for founders and entrepreneurs who are working on pioneering ideas related to the networking of physical machines and devices through the Internet – ideas that are sure to shape future business and society. The 50 best business models will be showcased at CeBIT from March 16-20, 2015, in Hanover, Germany. Applications will be accepted as of September 2014 through the CODE_n website.
The GFT Group, initiator of the global CODE_n innovation platform, has been promoting innovative entrepreneurs through the contest for more than three years now – and what a success it has been. The numbers speak for themselves: 450 startups from 60 countries applied for the CODE_n14 Award; 17,000 visitors came to the CODE_n hall at CeBIT 2014; the contest enjoyed incredibly positive publicity in all key media.
As in previous years, the CODE_n15 Award reflects signs of our times, addressing one of the most significant and somewhat controversial topics of recent years. The Internet of things is not merely a vision of the future, it’s already order of the day in many areas of technology. “We are picking up where we left off with big data: with an issue that’s moving business and research like no other topic,” explains Ulrich Dietz, initiator of CODE_n and CEO of the GFT Group. The Internet of things describes all services and technical solutions that involve the direct exchange of data and information between physical devices. Typically these devices are connected through sensors or RFID chips – autonomously, without the need for manual control.
“Thanks to the exponential expansion of intelligent sensors, faster and more extensive transmission technologies, and the enormous computing capacities available for data processing and storage, the Internet of things has matured and become incredibly attractive for businesses. The challenge for companies in all areas of industry will be to pinpoint the potential of this technology for their own business by developing radically new business models and forming the right partnerships early on,”
Dietz explains. The market research company IDC estimates that the global Internet of things market will be worth US$7.1 billion by 2020, with an average annual growth rate of 17.5 percent.
To make the full and broad spectrum of the Internets of things tangible for CeBIT visitors, internationally renowned designers Clemens Weisshaar and Reed Kram are returning to lend their masterful touch to the design of CODE_n Hall 16. Four themes will be showcased at the exhibition: DIGITAL LIFE, SMART CITY, FUTURE MOBILITY and INDUSTRY 4.0. The latter will be brought to life through ROBOCHOP, a real-world installation that will serve as the central element of this year’s unique CODE_n display area.
Applications accepted as of September
Startups interested in taking part in the CODE_n Contest can apply through the website www.code-n.org as of September 1. We welcome applications from all companies founded in 2010 or later whose business models cover aspects related to the Internet of things. All applications must be in by November 30, 2014.
Further information about CODE_n is available through the CODE_n blog and CODE_n website.
