L-Spark is adding another accelerator program to its repertoire, this time teaming up with Telus, fellow Ottawa firm Solace and existing partner BlackBerry on a new offering targeting Internet of Things companies.
The new accelerator will put the four companies’ resources and technology towards developing new secure IoT applications alongside participating firms. A statement released Tuesday highlights Telus’ cybersecurity and connectivity services, BlackBerry’s secure operating system and Solace’s data mobility capabilities. While the three tech firms will guide the coming cohort in technical development, L-Spark will provide business mentoring and help arrange partnership opportunities between the corporate accelerator partners and participating firms.
The IoT industry is undoubtedly on the rise, with Energias Market Research recently estimating the market will hit a value of US$6.5 trillion by 2024. The accelerator will look to highlight the importance of security in the development of IoT applications.
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“We believe the winners in IoT will be the companies that realize security is not an added cost but a valuable differentiator,” said BlackBerry’s chief technology officer Charles Eagan in a statement.
The new accelerator follows an existing partnership between L-Spark and BlackBerry, which has seen local companies such as Martello Technologies and Bluink work with the Waterloo-based company to commercialize new products.
L-Spark managing director Patrick White told Techopia Live in January that the Kanata company would be pursuing further “corporate innovation” programs like the original BlackBerry partnership in an effort to help its accelerator companies build products based on market demand.
Applications are open now until April 30 for the new secure IoT accelerator. Applicants must be based in Canada but can come from a variety of sectors touched by IoT applications, including automotive, health tech, smart homes and retail/supply management.
