Mobile techies' chance to shine

Local IT companies with a bright idea involving mobile technology are again being given the opportunity to turn a pioneering technology development into a business reality.

Global telecommunications company Ericsson has launched its annual Frontier competition - the only competition in Australasia for fostering the development of mobile and converged technology applications.

The competition, now in its fourth year, attracts entries covering a range of technologies, from animation and applications for third-generation mobile devices, to text messaging and business automation solutions.

Using a format reminiscent of the TV reality show Dragon's Den, the finalists present their technologies to a panel of judges in Sydney.

The winner can choose to attend one of two major Asia-Pacific technology conferences: 3GSM Asia or CommunicAsia. They will also receive a Sony technology start-up pack and one-on-one consultancy to further develop their technology.

All finalists receive Sony Ericsson mobile phones.

Ericsson New Zealand strategic marketing manager Jeremy Hope said it was a unique opportunity for local developers.

He said being sent to events such as the 3GSM Asia conference or CommunicAsia also gives local developers an opportunity to show what they're really made of.

"These events are where technology statements are made, so it's a unique opportunity to get in front of some real movers and shakers in the industry."

Previous winners include New Zealand company M-COM, using technology that turns the mobile phone into a virtual wallet.

Founder and chief executive Adam Clark said winning Frontier had been an invaluable experience.

"The relationship built with Ericsson through the trip to the networking event and internal exposure, and the credibility in customers' eyes, have created direct and indirect opportunities for M-COM," he said.

M-COM sent marketing manager Serge van Dam to the annual 3GSM conference in Europe this year.

Van Dam said attending 3GSM, a major gathering for the world's mobile phone developers, had given him a clearer insight into the opportunities available across the mobile market.

On the frontier

* Applications for the 2006 Frontier competition close on September 22. The entry form can be found at ericsson.com.au/frontier.

* The Business Herald will profile Frontier finalists during October.