Cisco has revealed the six start-up businesses that have reached its BIG Awards final.
The Cisco BIG Awards, in partnership with JP Morgan, Bird & Bird, DNX and Octopus Communications, aim to reward the UK's most innovative start-up digital businesses and SMEs.
The competition is part of Cisco's British Innovation Gateway (BIG) initiative – a five-year cash, technology and human resources investment to develop the environment offered to British start-ups.
In May, 20 semi-finalists were chosen – five of those have now made it through to the final. An additional finalist was chosen through the Idea Market, an online community which allows members to vote for their favourite via the BIG Awards website.
The six finalists are:
Category: Big Data
Shopitize Ltd – Transform receipts into personalised mobile shopping assistant and rewards
Category: Collaboration
Six3 Ltd – Six3 Video Messenger
Category: Future Cities
Nervecentre Software Ltd – Improving patient safety and hospital productivity through collaboration
Category: Internet of Things
Digital Shadows Ltd – Digital Shadows
Category: Mobility
ParkatmyHouse Ltd – Community Parking
The finalist chosen through the Idea Market, also in the mobility category:
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"We have seen some phenomenal talent showcased throughout the Cisco BIG Awards process and we're delighted to announce the final six," said Phil Smith, CEO of Cisco UK and Ireland.
"It has not been easy to select the finalists and so we felt it right to allow our extensive BIG Awards community to support and vote for their favourites through the Idea Market," he said.
"We truly believe the final six are each a testament to the thriving entrepreneurial community within the UK, and look forward to working with them and supporting them in developing their brands and ideas," said Smith.
The six companies now have 21 days to prepare for the final, which will take place on 12 September at Cisco House, in which they will present a business plan to a live judging panel.
The lucky winner will receive a total prize package of approximately $200k, consisting of $100k cash, 12 months of mentoring from Cisco and a 12-month support package covering public relations, marketing and legal services.
Runners-up and semi-finalists will also receive cash and support packages.
Photo courtesy of camknows on Flickr
