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Telefónica Reinvents Start-Up Accelerator Program to Focus on Big Data, AI, IoT, Cyber Security and Fintech Firms

Telefónica Reinvents Start-Up Accelerator Program to Focus on Big Data, AI, IoT, Cyber Security and Fintech Firms Image Credit: Telefónica

Telefonica is reinventing its start-up accelerator program, Wayra with a new phase to focus on accelerating technological and mature companies that fit in Telefónica's strategic projects.

The new Wayra will focus acceleration and investment in more mature companies with a clear business plan and whose activities are eminently technological and related to Telefónica's strategic projects in fields such as Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of things, cybersecurity or fintech.

In addition to the new image of Wayra, which was presented simultaneously in eight countries, the company launched the "IoT Activation Programme", a 'Toolkit' to help startups developing solutions based on the Internet of Things. 

Through this program, Telefónica will support both initial functional tests and greater scale pilots enabling access to a set of tools, IoT, which include connectivity through SIM cards and modules and devices to configure IoT solutions; access to Telefonica's IoT connectivity platform, which provides complete control of IoT solutions and access to The Thinx, Telefónica's laboratory of new technologies and connectivities such as NB-IoT and LTE-M.

Since inception of Wayra in 2011, more than 100 startups accelerated in the innovation hubs already work with Telefónica in different projects, and the aim is to reach 200 in the next two years, said Telefonica.

Gonzalo Martin-Villa, Chief Innovation Officer, Telefonica
Our brand, Wayra, is an institutional asset that promotes all areas of the business. That is our vision, and our objective is to focus on more mature startups that make us grow and keep the growth within Telefónica.

Vicente Munoz, Chief IoT Officer, Telefonica
IoT is one of those levers that make it possible for us to evolve, to change, to improve our possibilities in the context of transformation that we are experiencing. 

Author

Ray is a news editor at The Fast Mode, bringing with him more than 10 years of experience in the wireless industry.

For tips and feedback, email Ray at ray.sharma(at)thefastmode.com, or reach him on LinkedIn @raysharma10, Facebook @1RaySharma

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