The NFC Forum, an industry association advancing the use of NFC technology, has issued a call for entries in its Global Competition contest. Now in its fourth year, the competition promotes the development and deployment of NFC services by both commercial and academic developers. Historically, the contest has attracted global entries spanning applications dealing with healthcare, mobile social media, hospitality, online banking and support for the disabled.
The Competition’s Commercial Track recognizes the commercial solution judged “The Best NFC Service of the Year,” while a Research Track honors the academic organization that develops “The Most Innovative NFC Research Project of the Year.” Three winners in each track will be awarded cash prizes ranging from about $7,400 to nearly $1,500.
The Competition’s Commercial Track is for business ideas that address a specific market, business or consumer need or want. 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 commercially piloted previously. Research entries are judged on quality of design and their creative and innovative use of NFC technology.
Ten finalists from each track will be announced March 16. Each team will then deliver a presentation and live demonstration at the WIMA NFC Developers Summit in Monaco April 21, after which the winners will be chosen.
Deadline for entry is Feb. 19. Further contest information is available here. ![[end]](/resources/bullet/nfcnews-4.gif)
