The Hong Kong-based car marker will target companies with focus on IoT and smart city initiatives
Hong Kong-based car maker Infiniti has launched its technology accelerator Infiniti Lab in Toronto, Canada, which is focused on helping to grow companies working on internet of things (IoT) and smart city initiatives. The Toronto program is produced in partnership with Multiplicity, a Toronto-based nonprofit that provides education and mentorship to startups.
“Canada is brimming with talent and opportunity when it comes to start-ups, and Infiniti Canada is proud to help accelerate the country’s next entrepreneurial stars,” said Stephen Lester, managing director of Infiniti Canada.
The car maker said that the application process for the Infiniti Lab is already open. The firm also said that the program will start on May 29 and that the group of selected startups will work closely with corporate and industry partners including Techstars; OMERS Ventures; TELUS Ventures; the City of Toronto, and Fleet Company, who will provide the participants with access to technology, mentorship and education throughout the month-long program. The top team in the Toronto program will be fast-tracked into the three-month Hong Kong program, which launches in July.
“Toronto is already a global leader in technology and innovation, and a hub for emerging technology including artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things,” said John Tory, Mayor of Toronto. “We’re excited to be the first city in North America chosen for the global expansion of the Infiniti LAB program, and we can’t wait to see how the entrepreneurs in the program leverage connected devices to help us achieve our goal of becoming an even smarter city.”
Vodacom to offer IoT solutions through partnership with PTC
In related IoT news, South African operator Vodacom has partnered with global technology solution provider PTC, a specialist in industrial IoT, augmented reality and connected solutions.
The collaboration will enable Vodacom to implement a local version of the ThingWorx IoT platform from PTC in order to develop new IoT applications and solutions. ThingWorx contains a comprehensive set of integrated IoT-specific development tools and capabilities.
The launch of ThingWorx in South Africa will allow Vodacom to service customers across the continent as it creates and develops IoT solutions across key verticals, including retail, health, utilities, manufacturing, logistics and for the consumer.
