NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge

2009 NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge - EMEA winners announced!

With focus on driving the development and visibility of innovative navigation solutions for wireless devices, NAVTEQ's 2009 Global LBS Challenge is once again looking for location-based applications which use NAVTEQ map data.

Run by NAVTEQ Network for Developers (NN4D) this global competition was originally launched in North America in 2003. It focuses on driving the development and visibility of creative location-aware solutions for wireless devices - from business to sports, travel and security. It invites developers to build and submit original applications using dynamic positioning technology and NAVTEQ maps. Now in its sixth year, the competition includes the three handset manufacturers Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson as global device sponsors.

There are five categories for entries - content, enterprise, entertainment & leisure, navigation, social networking. The prize pool for 2009 includes over $5.25 million dollars in cash, tool and data licences, and devices.

In addition to the prizes, developers also receive industry exposure provided by the NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge. The best entries in each region are closely reviewed by decision makers from the world's leading operators, device manufacturers and investment firms, as well as industry journalists. The judging process and the networking events drive industry success for the semi-finalists in each region, with over 25% having received funding or commercial contracts as a direct result of participation in the competition.

The challenge is divided into 3 regional tracks – EMEA, The Americas and APAC.

Orange Partner was Platinum Sponsor of the Europe-Middle East-Africa (EMEA) track, and Steve Glagow, VP Orange Partner, participated in judging during Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, February 2009.

Congratulations to all the winners!

And the winners are:

overall winner: skobbler

An application that allows young, urban consumers to share information, personal comments and recommendations on places and activities arounda city as well as useful tips on mobile devices. The mobile application combines, for example, local search of NAVTEQ dynamic content, such as events or movies, with sponsored advertising links and GPS navigation to the advertised place.

Content Category runner up: City Guide

City Guide from PH Informática SA, Portugal, is a dynamic LBS content guide that allows access to information in real time related to a user’s unique profile. Once subscribed, the system becomes a personal guide by giving automatic information based on user interest whilst navigating by car, foot or public transportation.

Enterprise Category runner up: Carbon Diem

Carbon Diem from Carbon Hero Ltd, UK, is the first Carbon computer by the National Science Museum of London. An application that uses GPS technology to track a person’s carbon footprint based on his/her transportation choices, it tracks your travel and informs you as to how much energy you could save while using different means of transportation (walking, bus, train, car etc). It also keeps track of all the places that you have visited.

Content Category runner up: NaviGenie

NaviGenie from Kishonti Informatics Bt, Hungary provides mapping information presented in a route-planning application using high quality perspective mode 2.5D and 3D views of city and street maps as well as building footprints. There are several different user-customizable view options, including bird, satellite and street-perspective views.