More out of last weeks CTIA - NAVTEQ announced that they are upping the prize pool to $2million in cash and data licensing for their annual LBS Challenge. Is LBS coming of age? Is NAVTEQ trying to buy more exposure/PR? They also announced that Nokia will become the Global sponsor - new release here.
Irregardless of the specific motivation, I personally think that LBS is coming of age, I say kudos to NAVTEQ. $2million, even for PR purposes is a lot of money. I have know a few companies that have placed and some that have won their respective category, and this recognition means a lot.
Other changes to the program include:
• Expanding an already elite panel of judges with representatives from major wireless carriers, industry experts, and venture capitalists including Bain Capital, Cingular, Helio, i-Hatch Ventures, MK Capital, Motorola, Nokia, Openwave Systems, Sprint, T-Mobile, Telus, and Verizon Wireless;
• Offering new NAVTEQ content specifically tailored to the demands of the wireless market. LBS Challenge contestants will be given free access to NAVTEQ’s newly launched NAVTEQ Traffic Mobile™, NAVTEQ City Guide™, and NAVTEQ Traffic Patterns™.
Hmmmm...interesting to see Helio and Cingular on the list of panel of judges. I am not sure if they have participated in the past, but it looks like a good sign to see the three top carriers on the list. Also interesting to see the VC firms. Is this their chance to take a look under the covers of some of these companies? Is it a opportunity for them to buddy up with the carriers to see what the carriers think (i.e. are you gonna put this on your deck and promote it?)
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