Nordic joins U.K’s largest gas distribution network operator, Cadent, and RS Components in design challenge seeking to help people isolated by Covid-19

Nordic Semiconductor today announces that it is supplying both short and long range wireless development kits (Bluetooth Low Energy, Thread, LTE-M/NB-IoT cellular IoT) and wireless technical support to a Covid-19 design challenge that is open to anyone. Distributor RS Components will supply any other electronics parts and technical support required to develop a functioning prototype. The entire initiative is sponsored by the U.K’s largest gas distribution network operator, Cadent.

The most promising ideas will win awards and prizes, and gain commercial exposure to companies on the lookout for talented innovators.

In a recent press release, Cadent stated: “With millions around the world battling loneliness and isolation, Cadent has teamed up with the electronics sector to spearhead the call for innovative solutions. In a throwback to the 1970s, when innovators launched the home computer revolution from Californian garages and college dorms, Cadent and partners RS Components and Nordic Semiconductor are calling on locked-down innovative types to get creating in their homes, sheds, and garages.

 

“Using their extensive network of customers and stakeholders, the three are hoping to engage the creative minds that can devise new solutions to help transform the lives of the isolated, and then connect them with the people and funding to help make their ideas a reality.”

 

“Typically, we may think of people who are elderly or ill as being most affected by isolation, however the coronavirus pandemic has shown how anyone can become isolated by circumstances,” adds Jo Giles, Cadent Customer Safeguarding Manager. “We’re on the hunt for innovative solutions that can help people stay safe, warm, and connected as they remain in their home. Whether someone is self-isolating with symptoms, categorised as ‘vulnerable’, or simply struggling with their all-round physical or mental health, we want to find the ideas that can support them to live independently. If we see the potential for a ground-breaking new product, we can connect you with the people and funding to help make it a reality.”

 

“We don’t want to limit creativity by dictating the scope of the challenge – all we’re stipulating is that solutions must be easy to use and accessible to people in a range of vulnerable circumstances,” says Claire Steed, Regional Sales Manager at Nordic Semiconductor. “This competition isn’t just for engineering or design experts. Whether you're a master of digital technology or you simply just have a great idea, we want to hear from you.”