Sooner or later, the topic of "security" will be the decisive factor for success in the Internet of Things. From hardware to operating system to the cloud: With the Secure IOT Challenge, Avnet and BayStartUP were on the hunt for secure solutions for IoT devices – from all industries.
To draw the attention of startups to security in IoT projects and to promote good approaches and ideas, Avnet Silica launched the Secure IOT Challenge in cooperation with BayStartUP. The technological base for the participants was the Azure Sphere technology, which was to be used to develop the concepts.
Martin Grossen, Director of Embedded Software and Cloud at Avnet Silica
In the environment of the Internet of Things, the topic of IoT security is not yet optimally implemented. This is because older hardware is still being used in some cases. In the case of re-designs, companies must first learn how to handle IoT security correctly.
All startups with the goal of securely sending and processing data in the cloud were eligible to apply. The benefits for all participants: knowledge transfer, best practices, market feedback and direct collaboration with suppliers and distributors.
Two teams ultimately made it to the supported prototype phase with Secure IoT Challenge partners. Here, they will receive financial and strategic support from Avnet Silica to develop their concepts developed in the Challenge into a working prototype. The goal is to validate and prepare the products for international commercialization.
Strong winners: What convinced the jury
The jury, consisting of experts from Avnet Silica, Microsoft and BayStartUP, assessed whether the startups had implemented Azure Sphere technology in a meaningful way. The commercial aspect and security as a unique selling proposition were also key evaluation criteria.
All about the Secure IOT Challenge
"After a short break, the cooperation with the two winners will now be defined individually," explains Martin Grossen. "Of course, as promised, there will be a contribution for the prototype phase, but what is more important right now is a good cooperation for the hardware procurement."
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