Smart Industry 2/2018

Smart Business The 10 best IoT Hubs
photo ©: Prague Startup Centre
Startup hubs have a long tradition
in the technology industry
but their potential is
still underrated by many established
companies. They are not
only a good starting point but also
offer the best opportunities to revolutionize
existing business models,
further the technology agenda, and
generate know-how – even long after
the startup phase is over.
Instead of looking at generic startup
centers, companies would do better
to set their sights on specialist IoT
hubs as their nucleus for innovation
as well as a way to kick-start their
entry into the totally connected
world of IoT.
Scores of IoT hubs have sprung up
around the globe in recent years,
often driven by local, regional, or
national governments, but business
associations, universities, and research
institutes have also become
typical hosts.
For startups, most good hubs offer
much-needed professional
advice and support in areas such
as marketing, sales, finance, and
tax law – things with which many
technology-grounded founders
struggle. Many operators provide
coaching and mentoring services
as well, so hopeful young founders
can draw on the experience
of seasoned entrepreneurs who,
in many cases, were a successful
startup themselves just a few
years ago. Hubs are also a good
place to meet energetic, like-
In our IoT lab,
we offer a lot
of tools, a 3D
printer, and
large work
desks. We
are also able
to connect
startups with
mentors,
partners,
investors,
and potential
customers.
Robert Reich,
startup manager at Prague
Startup Centre
photo ©: ncriot.org
Tom Snyder,
Executive Director,
RIoT
photo ©: ncriot.org
minded people and as a forum for
the exchange of ideas.
The same benefits apply to established
companies as well, with the
added bonus of the chance to pool
resources and exchange product
and application designs. Hosts and
tenants of IoT hubs have direct contacts
among local startups and can
link them to older enterprises that
can provide fresh impetus to established
business models as well as
entry points into new markets and
technologies.
Some IoT hubs are more successful
than others in this form of matchmaking
which, in the end, is another
kind of service, albeit a tricky juggling
act requiring a vast network
of contacts within government,
academia, associations, and the
investment community, as well as
personal contacts within the business
world.
Most hubs operate several business
centers where startups, especially,
can find room and the necessary infrastructure
to get up and running
quickly. Many also offer a range
of social events aimed at creating
interaction and bonding between
entrepreneurs and employees, both
young and old.
A good example is RIoT, an IoT
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