The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is hunting for innovators, makers or entrepreneurs who are using technologies that can transform lives.
The UN specialised agency that co-ordinates the global ICT industry says that people working on areas such as 3D printing or advanced robotics, or working within fields such as bio-mimicry, which uses technological innovations to imitate nature and solve problems to come and showcase their innovations at the ITU Telecom World 2014 taking place in Doha, Qatar from December 7-10, 2014.
“The advent of technologies such as 3D Printing, robots and Unarmed, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – or UUAVs – have significantly enhanced the possibilities for transforming lives, especially in the remotest corners of the world,” said ITU Secretary-General Hamadoun I. Touré. “I am delighted that our upcoming event in Doha will provide the ideal platform to showcase these technologies to a global audience and help us realize their full potential.”
According to ITU, the call for innovations is open to everyone, with no age limit. Innovations can be submitted online via the dedicated platform by September 30, when they will be assessed by a panel of innovation experts. Selected entries will be given the opportunity to showcase in the Lab, part of the InnovationSpace at ITU Telecom World 2014.
The call was launched in conjunction with innovation partner Ars Electronica. Pioneered at ITU Telecom World 2013 in Bangkok, the Lab provides a dedicated space where the event’s participants can discuss, touch, interact, and experiment with truly cutting-edge innovations. Demos last year included origami-inspired robotics, gravity-powered lighting, thought-controlled gaming and Paro, a therapeutic robot in the form of a baby seal.