KIRKLAND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Time is running out to submit entries for the Bluetooth Breakthrough Awards, the official award program held by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). The Bluetooth Breakthrough Awards celebrate the best Bluetooth enabled products and applications available on the market today, and recognize innovative prototypes coming soon. All entries are due by December 4, 2014, including submissions for the new Student category, which includes a $5,000.00 USD prize for the winner.
“Bluetooth Smart technology makes it possible to put wireless connectivity into practically any device and this year’s submissions mirror that, from the novel to the life saving and everything in between, we have already seen a diverse array of entries,” said Suke Jawanda, Bluetooth SIG CMO. “The Bluetooth Breakthrough Awards highlight innovation from large companies all the way to start-ups, students and hobbyists. I am in awe of the ideas coming from young minds around the world, and cannot wait to reveal our finalists in January.”
Bluetooth SIG staff will select finalists for each of the Breakthrough categories. Winners are then decided by the Bluetooth SIG’s expert judging panel, which includes respected industry players Robert Scoble, Ken Denmead, Victoria Woollaston and Joel Kaczmarek, as well as sponsor judges David Bean, Frontline Test Equipment, and Mario Pasquali, Ellisys.
Finalists will be revealed at the Bluetooth SIG’s media event on Jan. 6, 2014, during the 2014 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The overall winner, along with the category winners, will be announced at Pepcom MobileFocus Global on Feb. 23, 2014, during Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain.
PRIZES
All finalists will be featured by the Bluetooth SIG at media events throughout the winter and spring of 2014. Additionally, finalists will be able to display The Bluetooth Breakthrough Award logo on websites, product packaging and marketing collateral. Finalists will also receive development kits from CSR and Nordic Semiconductor and a sensor tag kit from Texas Instruments.
The Product, Application and Prototype category winners will be invited to attend PepCom MobileFocus Global at MWC with the Bluetooth SIG to highlight their product to the hundreds of international media. These category winners will also receive a trip to Nordic Semiconductor’s headquarters in Norway.
The Student category winner will receive a cash prize of $5,000 USD.
The overall winner will also be awarded two round trip tickets to attend Bluetooth World 2014 in April, along with entry into the event and free exhibition space, valued at $12,500 USD.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
All products must use Bluetooth technology and be available for promotion starting January 6, 2014. Entries with incomplete information or those with confirmed issues via the SIG Brand and Qualification Tracking System will not be considered. Entrants are also encouraged to submit a 1-2 minute video showing their product, application or prototype at work. Entries will be judged based on uniqueness of idea, interoperability testing, ease of use and correct use of Bluetooth trademarks. Entries with incomplete information or those with confirmed issues via the SIG Brand and Qualification Tracking System will not be considered. Additional category specific criteria include the following:
Breakthrough Products – Entries must be for products launched in 2013 and available for purchase. Submissions will be judged on level of innovation and unique or intriguing uses of the technology. Products must be qualified and listed in the Bluetooth SIG End Product Listing (EPL). This category is only open to Bluetooth SIG members.
Breakthrough Applications – Entries must be for software applications launched and available for download in 2013. Applications will be evaluated on the innovative functionality of the application when interacting with the expanding breadth of Bluetooth enabled devices. This category is only open to Bluetooth SIG members.
Breakthrough Prototypes – Entries must be for products and applications in development but have a workable prototype. Entries should feature the “Better with Bluetooth technology” concept while providing a glimpse into what’s coming in the near future with Bluetooth innovation. This category is open to Bluetooth SIG members and non-members.
Breakthrough Students – Entries must be in concept or prototype format for consideration. Entrants must be actively enrolled high school, college-level, or post-graduate students. Student submissions will benefit from a letter of recommendation from a teacher or professor. Entrants under the age of 18 will be required to have a signed release form from a parent or guardian.
The deadline for submissions is Dec. 4, 2013. Review units need to be shipped to 202 South Lowell Lane, 78733, Austin, TX, and must be received by Dec. 6, 2013. The online nomination form can be accessed here or through Bluetooth.org. Questions about the program can be directed to Lindsay Peattie, Bluetooth SIG global events and brand manager, at events@bluetooth.com.
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 branded devices, through an updatable platform and low power consumption, create new application opportunities for the mobile phone, consumer electronics, PC, automotive, health & fitness and smart home industries. With over two 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 19,000 member companies to collaborate, innovate and guide Bluetooth wireless technology. For more information please visit www.bluetooth.com.
