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Penguins seek startup ideas, hoping submissions will spark new technologies for games, fans
July 10, 2015 12:00 AM
By Deborah M. Todd / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Seven years after the Pittsburgh Penguins helped to transform a Carnegie Mellon University research project into a viable tech business, the professional hockey team is hoping for another score with local startups.
The Pens and the Pittsburgh Technology Council teamed up in June to issue a call to Pittsburgh’s techies to submit ideas for software, hardware, data analysis techniques or other products that can give them a technological edge over National Hockey League competitors.
The call, which ends today, requested brief videos or essays explaining the ideas and how they can benefit the Penguins. While the team is open to suggestions, according to senior director of technology Eric Watts, it has its heart set on ideas that relate to fan amenities and immersion, keepsakes, games, increased interaction, social media engagement, big data analysis, automation and other areas.
Mr. Watts wasn’t sure how many submissions the team received this year but said the last time they issued a similar call in 2008 they received “hundreds.â€
Once team officials decide which pitches are the best, those selected will present pitches in person to team officials for a shot at anything from beta testing to a strategic partnership or even outright work for hire with one of the most successful franchises in the National Hockey League.
http://www.post-gazette.com/busines...or-games-fans-NHL-hockey/stories/201507100151
July 10, 2015 12:00 AM
By Deborah M. Todd / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Seven years after the Pittsburgh Penguins helped to transform a Carnegie Mellon University research project into a viable tech business, the professional hockey team is hoping for another score with local startups.
The Pens and the Pittsburgh Technology Council teamed up in June to issue a call to Pittsburgh’s techies to submit ideas for software, hardware, data analysis techniques or other products that can give them a technological edge over National Hockey League competitors.
The call, which ends today, requested brief videos or essays explaining the ideas and how they can benefit the Penguins. While the team is open to suggestions, according to senior director of technology Eric Watts, it has its heart set on ideas that relate to fan amenities and immersion, keepsakes, games, increased interaction, social media engagement, big data analysis, automation and other areas.
Mr. Watts wasn’t sure how many submissions the team received this year but said the last time they issued a similar call in 2008 they received “hundreds.â€
Once team officials decide which pitches are the best, those selected will present pitches in person to team officials for a shot at anything from beta testing to a strategic partnership or even outright work for hire with one of the most successful franchises in the National Hockey League.
http://www.post-gazette.com/busines...or-games-fans-NHL-hockey/stories/201507100151