Megatrend 2014 — cloud technology for smart living

HERRSCHING, GERMANY: More and more devices are connected to the Internet and the number will continue to rise exponentially. With the digital world upon us, digitalization will significantly change the technology market through the Internet of Things, according to a research by Gartner Inc. in November 2013.

By 2020, over 30 billion connected devices are expected to be in use and IoT will generate an added economic value of USD1.9 trillion. IoT is creating new markets and a new economy. In the upcoming year cloud technology, as one of this century's megatrends, is going on to inspire the world - the industry as well as everyday life.

Cloud technology for smart homes, meaning every gadget and appliance is connected to the web, has also been one of the key topics at the International CES 2014 in Las Vegas, the annual indicator for technology trends. It was a first insight into the very latest advancements in cloud based solutions that will revolutionize the consumer electronics sector in the upcoming years.

From startups to the big players - everyone wants a piece of the cloud technology for smart homes cake. Sony Computer Entertainment for example, who will be launching an ambitious cloud-based TV-streaming service later this year, providing live and on-demand content to all your Sony gadgets (TVs and the PlayStation), or the Wi-Fi-enabled doorknob that tells you who's at the door via a smartphone app, and iDevices´ kitchen thermometer, allowing you to share temperature data and cooking experiences with other tech-savvy gourmets.

There is a myriad of possibilities for innovative products and applications - you can only imagine what kind of innovations are still out there (in the cloud), waiting to be discovered. The Cloud Innovation World Cup, part of the successful Innovation World Cup series, is seeking these hidden gems and innovators of this emerging market, offering different categories, including "Smart Living".

The international competition is looking for innovative ideas and applications to improve the quality of life, to better perform daily activities and to enjoy entertainment and recreational activities. Since October 15, 2013 until April 15, 2014, developers, innovators, and inventors, are welcome to submit their cloud computing solution or application free of charge to one of five main categories - ICT Business Services, Smart Living, Mobility, Urban Infrastructure, Industry 4.0 as well as the special prize "Evolve Insurance Award" by Allianz Digital Accelerator.

All submissions will be judged and reviewed by an international team of experts. Winners and runner-ups will be awarded at the Awards Ceremony at the Cloud World Forum (EMEA´s leading Cloud event) in London on June 17/18, 2014. The overall winner and "Cloud Innovator of the Year" will benefit from extensive promotional activities and a global network of like-minded and possible future business partners.

Partners of the Cloud Innovation World Cup are EuroCloud, SIIA, Allianz Digital Accelerator, Cloud World Forum, Continua Health Alliance, Wearable Technologies, and Medica. Regional Partners include Cluster 55, Team Cote D'Azur, Comm4Innov, Innovative City Convention, CSEM, Alp ICT, Communication World, Plug and Play Tech Center, and Taitra.