NFC Forum Global Competition Issues Call For Entries
Wakefield, MA - The NFC Forum, (www.nfc-forum.org), a non-profit industry association that advances the use of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, recently announced a call for entries for its NFC Forum Global Competition: www.nfc-forum.org/competition. In the competition, developers in a commercial track compete for the honor of having their solutions named "The Best NFC Product of the Year 2009," while a research track recognizes "The Most Innovative NFC Research Project of the Year 2009." The competition's goal is to promote the development and deployment of innovative and exemplary NFC services.
For both commercial and research developers, the NFC Forum Global Competition is more than just an opportunity to win an award. Finalists and winners may look forward to global media coverage, increased awareness among attending industry leaders and venture capitalists, and opportunities to forge partnerships and share ideas. Winners of each track will receive cash prizes to be announced.
"Many people are familiar with the use of NFC technology for transit fare and point-of-sale purchases, but last year's competition revealed a wonderfully broad array of emerging NFC applications, from hospitality to healthcare," said Gerhard Romen, vice chairman of the NFC Forum. "The NFC Forum Global Competition has become the focal point for top innovators around the world to share their ideas and create new business models."
The Commercial Track is for business ideas that address a specific market, business or consumer need or want. To enter, teams must submit a business case document of no more than 3,000 words and a prototype or commercial product. Commercial entries are evaluated on commercial viability and how successfully and innovatively they meet the identified need using NFC technology.
The Research Track is open to the academic community, including university student teams and research institutions. Research track submissions require an explanatory abstract of no more than 3,000 words that identifies the challenge addressed and outlines the approach taken. Prototypes are preferred and multimedia presentations are welcome; entries must not have been piloted previously. Research entries are judged on quality of design and their creative and innovative use of NFC technology.
The Judging Committee evaluates each entry, and 20 finalists will be announced on March 16, 2009. Each team of finalists will deliver a presentation and live demonstration at the WIMA NFC Developers Summit (www.wima-nfc.com) on April 23, 2009. Following these events, the jury, composed of senior and recognized professionals and experts from academia and sponsoring companies, will vote to select first-, second- and third-place winners for each track.
The competition's Organizing Committee is now accepting entries; all final proposals must be received by January 30, 2009. Fees per entry are €350 for non-NFC Forum members and €200 for members. Students and research institutions may enter for €50. Entry forms and competition details are available now from www.nfc-forum.org/competition.
Attendees of Cartes 2008 in Paris this week may learn more about the competition by visiting the NFC Zone, Booth 4 Q104. For further details or questions about competition rules and entries, write to: competition@nfc-forum.org.
WIMA is a Platinum sponsor of the competition. The Competition's Organizing Committee is now accepting additional sponsors at sponsorship@nfc-forum.org. Platinum sponsorship is €7500, Gold sponsorship is €5000 and Silver sponsorship is €2500.
Sponsorship of the NFC Global Competition offers an array of benefits to participating organizations. Sponsors receive prominent co-branding on all competition marketing materials and signage, and also have the opportunity to judge the entries and help select the winners. Each sponsor shares in the media attention generated by the competition, and strengthens its perception in the marketplace as a company at the forefront of one of today's fastest-growing consumer technologies.
SOURCE: The NFC Forum