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IoTUK Boost

View from Wainhouse Tower by Michael Spiller

Businesses in Calderdale with products and services which communicate remotely can benefit from the integration of Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technology, and are invited to apply to take part in a free programme providing access to an experimental testbed network alongside expert innovation support.

The Calderdale LPWAN Boost is one of six that are being operated across the UK as part of the IoTUK Boost programme, which seeks to advance the UK’s leadership in the Internet of Things (IoT). Free support will be provided for up to 10 small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs in Calderdale, which includes:

  • Access to a wide-area wireless network and hardware for prototyping
  • Training via a two-day hands-on workshop
  • Support over a 12 month period
  • Opportunities to showcase products and services

With the ability to cross towns and cities — including a line-of-sight signal range of up to 15km — the LoRaWAN wireless technology employed by the network is considered a key enabler for IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. Applications include next-generation consumer electronics, environmental monitoring systems, equipment monitoring and preventative maintenance in industrial settings, and over-the-air remote updating of digital signage systems, to name but a few highly applicable use-cases.

LoRaWAN is well-suited to applications which need to periodically send and/or receive small amounts of data; a sensor reading, for example, or a short string of text or other data. Designed specifically with this in mind, LoRaWAN is extremely energy efficient: devices using LoRaWAN technology can consume so little power that a battery life of up to 10 years is possible, greatly reducing maintenance costs.

Applications which need to constantly transmit or receive, or which require a high-throughput broadband data service, are not suited to LoRaWAN use, though can make use of the network as a secondary connection to reduce data charges and increase battery life.

Eligibility

Please note that programme is also open to businesses that are based outside of Calderdale and that:

  • have interests in the region, e.g. customers;
  • are otherwise able to participate, e.g. have access to a local LoRaWAN gateway and are willing to travel to attend workshops.

How to apply

There is no cost associated with programme participation or ongoing use of the network. Applicants are simply asked to commit sufficient resources into development and experimentation with the network, in order to get full benefit from their participation.

Applications are welcomed not only from those with new products and services in mind but also where opportunities are identified for increasing the value of and future-proofing existing systems. To apply:

  1. Download the application form
  2. E-mail the completed form to: iotukboost@abopen.com

The closing date for applications is Friday 31st March 2017.

Calderdale LPWAN Boost is operated by AB Open in partnership with the Digital Catapult as part of the IoTUK programme, RS Components, The Things Network and Calderdale Council.