Budding entrepreneurs have the chance to turn their ideas into reality

This weekend sees the second University of Northampton Internet of Things (IoT) event; a three-day event that will focus on entrepreneurship and technology, with participants having the opportunity to start up their own enterprise.

Taking place at the University’s Park Campus on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 February, with a follow up day on Saturday 4 March, the event will feature speakers from big industry names, such as Google Digital Garage, Catapult Transform Systems and Parallel Wireless.

The participants will take part in a series of workshops and will eventually be separated into ‘startup’ groups where they will be provided with basic technical equipment to get started setting up their own technology business based around the theme of transportation and logistics.

They will then be invited back in March to try to secure funding by presenting their ideas to a Dragon’s Den style panel, competing against the other start up teams.

Dr Triantafyllos Kanakis, from the Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology at the University of Northampton, commented: “The rapid development of the Internet in recent years and the huge acceptance of technology by the consumer has fundamentally had an impact of all our lives.

“In previous years the time between major technological breakthroughs was between 10 and 15 years but now it is less than five years. Part of this is played by the Internet of Things, which due to its vast size, it is still impossible to predict its impact on the market.

“This event is a great way for students and budding entrepreneurs to learn first-hand about creating a startup business. The workshops and presentations will provide the knowledge they need to think about how to use technology to tackle projects, the art of business planning and how to reach customers. This is their opportunity to turn their ideas into reality.”

Find out more about the Internet of Things event and how to register

Photo: Three participants from last year’s competition