On the occasion of its participation in Venditalia – an international vending market tradeshow, set to take place in Milan (Fieramilanocity) from 7 to 10 May 2014, Intel is launching an “Intelligent Vending Competition” worldwide, aimed at seeking out new ideas, talents and projects for the vending machine market of the future.
As the vending market segment transitions to the digital era, Intel’s main aim in organising such a contest is the search for innovation in both technology and business within vending. Intel is referencing three criteria in the contest: user experience, business models and transaction models.
Improvement in user experiences and the ways in which humans interact with machines though use of touch screen technology, rich graphics and use of gesture recognition or integration with social media is a key component to the content. Secondly, the adoption of new business models including multi-product vending, price campaigns, discounts, vouchers, coupons, loyalty programmes, advertising and advertising campaign efficacy will be judged. Finally, the integration of new digital payment systems and transaction methods including contactless payments, NFC (spell out), smartphone based payment, or use of innovative vouchering.
“This being a global competition, we would like to encourage many Kenyan start-ups to participate. This competition offers a platform for local start-ups not only to showcase their innovative ideas but to also compete on a global stage, get much needed exposure and possibly access a broader market”, said Danie Steyn, General Manager Intel East Africa.
The prize is an opportunity to display the winning innovative vending solution on the Intel stand at Venditalia 2014, introducing the winning design to vending industry specialists and other visitors expected at the tradeshow this year. In 2012, Venditalia registered a total of over 314 exhibitors and 20,000 visitors from 93 countries worldwide, mostly managers and manufacturers of products for vending machine market.
Participation in the “Intel Intelligent Vending Competition” is free of charge and open to all companies and innovators over the age of 18 who work in the field of vending systems. The official rules can be found in the competition announcement, available online at: here.
The deadline for sending applications is 1 March 2014.
