The term stands for Internet of Things and refers to the interrelated connectivity among computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, as well as people, animals and objects with unique identifiers and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction.
The field of IoT is experiencing 33% year-over-year growth, Burley said.
“The expectation is that the market as a whole will just continue to grow exponentially.”
Curtis said Burley will share his expertise at Venture 13.
“He will work with entrepreneurs to help them understand how they can connect and develop their business in relation to the IoT, and it's basically expected to connect pretty much 24/7.”
Burley has already offered full-day sessions in January, which were fully booked, and he will be back for more sessions.
“Telus is also donating to Venture 13 three-month starter kits for all Venture 13 members.,” Curtis added.
These kits will enable developers and tech companies rapidly to produce prototype cellular-connected IoT devices on the Telus LTE-M network.
And in addition to $250,000 in entrepreneurial support for the winner in their first-of-its-kind N100 innovation competition, the top finalists will get a 12-month starter kit.
“We have Canada's only big microfactory, a for-profit organization where start-ups work together to launch a co-operative working with technology here to do prototyping,” she continued.
“Much of the prototyping today is done in China and India. We are trying to do some of that here.
“Telus has chosen to support the microfactory with some equipment, and I think that's wonderful for 2020 programs.”
This consists of six Raspberry Pi/Arduino boards for use in future projects from the Maker Lab and the Microfactory Cooperative.
Burley said that one of Telus's core values they hold inherent is doing good in the communities in which they operate.
“Venture 13 was my first stop,” he said.
“I recognize the impact that this group has had in accelerating entrepreneurs and their technology, and wanted to be part of it.
“Along with my team at Telus, we work to leverage the power of connectivity and technology to improve the life of Canadians. And an opportunity to mentor young entrepreneurs – I wanted to be part of that.
“We will be supporting the Maker Lab with some technology products, and I will also be available for mentorship every six weeks or so – by all means, take advantage of it.”
Burley called the partnership a great opportunity.
“I couldn't be more pleased with the partnership, and working with the individual at Venture 13,” he said.
The announcement was attended by a number of East Northumberland Secondary School students who had travelled from Brighton for a youth-employment event hosted by Northumberland Manufacturers Association.
Venture 13 is also home to the CFDC, Curtis told the students, “dedicated to supporting innovation, entrepreneurs and business development.”
She called the Cobourg Police Service “the most innovative police department in the nation,” and invited the students to discuss any Smart Policing tech ideas they might have that would help develop a safer community with Chief Paul VandeGraaf
She also encouraged them to take part in other Venture 13 programming, like the recent weekend Hackathon and the periodic Fireside Chats, “where we welcome the community to come and listen to ideas, trends and perspectives on what's happening in the digital world – because we are all living in the digital world.”
