Winners of the contest will be awarded a mentor panel with industry leaders to be held at a major trade show in early Spring. Call for entries will start on October 18, 2004.

In addition to its two key sponsors, WIC 2005 has aligned itself with some key partners: PricewaterhouseCoopers, KPMG, the Network for Emerging Wireless Technologies (NEWT) and WiTec Alberta.

"We’re looking for wireless success stories," says Mikko Moilanen, Chair of WIC 2005 and Director of Nokia Product Creation. "This focus will help reach one of our goals – to drive the adoption of wireless technologies in North America. Entrants are asked to provide a case study that clearly demonstrates the impact of their technology and to include the customer and partners that are part of the successful implementation."

The contest is open to Canadian and American wireless developers and solution providers that have deployed, and are creating, a wireless solution in one of 6 categories: entertainment, public sector, community, enterprise, student and the most promising category. WIC 2005 has joined forces and merged contests with the Network for Emerging Wireless Technologies (NEWT), Leapfrog contest. NEWT will be handling the Leapfrog or "most promising" level of entries for the contest and award prizes to three winners.

A panel of industry leaders will judge each entry and decide on a winner and runner-up in each category as well as a ‘most promising’ entrant. Winners of WIC 2005 are rewarded with targeted exposure in media and at trade shows, inclusion in a special case study publication and a one-hour mentor session with the panel of judges. Three ‘most promising’ entrants will be awarded with free access to NEWT’s state-of-the-art test facility, technical development advice, business mentorship and venture capital contacts. The award is designed to move an idea toward market-ready stage within six months.

"The ‘most promising’ contest component puts good ideas together with NEWT’s live-air test lab and technical know-how to give the resulting product prospects for success that might come more slowly or not happen otherwise," said NEWT Chief Operating Officer Duane Sniezek.

Entries from every corner of North America, including New York, Montreal and Vancouver entered the inaugural Wireless Innovation Contest in 2004, with Mobile Operandi winning the People’s Choice award. Other contest winners were Executive Wireless, Verrus and Stelix.

About WINBC

WINBC (Wireless Innovation Network Society of BC) is the producer of WIC05. and the focal point for wireless in BC. British Columbia has a history of wireless expertise and innovation, and has a critical mass of 150 wireless companies in all areas of the wireless technology value chain including Sierra Wireless, Nokia and others. WINBC is also the host of the Wireless Innovation Contest. To find your wireless partner go to: http://www.winbc.org. To see if you are eligible for the contest go to http://www.winbc.org/contest

About Nokia

Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia is dedicated to enhancing people's lives and productivity by providing easy-to-use and secure products like mobile phones, and solutions for imaging, games, media, mobile network operators and businesses. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on five major exchanges. To learn more about Nokia, please visit www.nokia.ca.

About Telus Mobility