For wireless developers, there's nothing like being recognized for a job well done. Now, they can turn to the second-annual Wireless Innovation Contest 2005 (WIC 05) for such recognition. In exchange for promising ideas, this contest offers a valuable boost toward marketability. The contest, which is under the aegis of the Wireless Innovation Network of British Columbia (WINBC), is open to Canadian and American wireless developers and solution providers. It's intended to recognize organizations and innovators with wireless deployments that are already making a difference or have the potential to change the way we do things. The deployments also should benefit our communities and generate profits.

The WIC 05 awards will be announced on March 16, 2005 in New Orleans, La. during the CTIA Wireless show. Descriptions of the winning projects, their objectives, and their accomplishments will be posted in a case-study booklet in print and online.

Entries can be submitted on one of two levels: "Wireless Excellence" or "Leapfrog—Most Promising." Wireless Excellence entrants must show a proven return on investment for the deployment of wireless technologies in the entertainment, public-sector, community, or enterprise categories. A panel of independent judges will choose a winner and runner-up in each Wireless Excellence category. Wireless Excellence winners gain exposure, inclusion in the CTIA's case-study publication, and a 1-hr. mentoring session with the judging panel during CTIA Wireless.

The Leapfrog category is for entries that could benefit from technical development assistance on an accelerated path to market entry. Leapfrog categories are commercial and student. Potential entrants are invited to visit www.winbc.org/contest. Four Leapfrog winners will gain access to the state-of-the-art test facilities provided by the Network for Emerging Wireless Technologies (NEWT). They also will receive technical advice, business mentoring, and venture-capital contacts. The Leapfrog award is intended to move worthy ideas toward marketability within six months.

WINBC, the producer of WIC 05, is supported by key sponsors Nokia and TELUS Mobility. The supporting sponsors are Contec Innovations, Mobitus, and Upside Wireless. WINBC's key partners include CWTA, PricewaterhouseCoopers, KPMG, NEWT, CWTA, and WiTec Alberta.