EIT ICT Labs Helps to Turn Ideas into Reality

Brussels (ots) - On the 1st of September, the European innovation
network EIT ICT Labs launches the second round of its Idea Challenge.
The EU wide contest for innovators and early stage startups in the
field of ICT provides essential resources to boost a business: cash,
office spaces, coaching and access to some of the world's leading
universities, research institutes and companies, such as Siemens,
SAP, IBM, Intel and Philips.

For the second time in this year, EIT ICT Labs calls ICT talents
with entrepreneurial spirit to come up with "game changing" business
visions. The ideas should relate to one of the following innovation
areas: Smart Energy Systems, Cyber Security & Privacy, Internet of
Things, and Urban Life & Mobility.

The first round of the Idea Challenge drew over 300 entries from
25 EU countries. Twelve European startups won an overall amount of
320,000 Euros, and are already working closely with the EIT ICT Labs
Business Accelerator to further develop their ideas.

"Following the success of the first wave we are proud to empower
even more talented teams in the next round", says Willem Jonker, CEO
of EIT ICT Labs. "ICT talents are at the heart of EIT ICT Labs as
they help us to drive ICT innovation for economic growth and quality
of life. We have a strong eco system that knows how to put innovation
to work and we are looking forward to receiving your ideas."

As successful entrepreneur and initiator of Founder.org, Michael
Baum is dedicated to support talents on their paths to found
sustainable businesses. That is also why he participated in spring
2014 as Idea Challenge jury member and evaluated the best ideas. He
says: "It's important to back innovators with the brightest ideas at
an early stage to improve the odds that more young companies not only
survive, but thrive and positively transform the world."

Submission open

Ideas can be submitted until September 30th through
www.ideachallenge.eitictlabs.eu. In each category, the participants
can win a cash prize of 15,000 to 40,000 Euros. The best teams will
be invited to Berlin, Trento, Stockholm, or London (depending on the
topic) in order to pitch their ideas in front of an expert jury.

Contact:
For further information regarding EIT ICT Labs, please contact
Johanna Gavefalk, Director Marketing & Communications EIT ICT Labs
(johanna.gavefalk@eitictlabs.eu) or visit www.eitictlabs.eu.
Telephone +46 8 790 42 54 | Mobile +46 73 460 77 86