The Next Generation Internet (NGI) initiative will have a strong presence at this month’s Four Years From Now (4YFN) event in Barcelona, which runs 25-27 February. NGI will have an exhibition booth and space in the EU lounge area and will also host two workshops, the NGI Awards ceremony and a salon event offsite.
The 4YFN event happens in conjunction with the GSMA Mobile World Congress 2019, which is the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry. The focus of 4YFN is more on tech startups, innovators and SMEs. 4YFN promises curated content, pitches competitions, workshops and dedicated networking sessions. The event claims it is “tailor-made to connect the international startup community, investors, talent and corporations”.
In this respect, it’s the ideal place to showcase the European Commission’s Next Generation Internet (NGI) initiative and engage a growing community of world-class innovators.
“We’re very much looking forward to bringing the NGI to 4YFN once again, especially now that many funding opportunities for Start-ups and SMEs are available via the recently launched NGI Open Calls,” said Dr Monique Calisti, CEO of Martel Innovate and coordinator of the NGI Outreach office.
“It’s a great opportunity for top-notch researchers, innovators and technologists to meet, be inspired, discover and join the NGI, a movement that’s gathering momentum and interest in the vital work of shaping the internet of tomorrow.”
NGI will host two workshops during the event:
- NGI as a catalyst for Europe, Monday 25 February, 12.00pm. This workshop will be a deep dive into European plans and new funding for NGI, bringing to the stage some examples of what is already being developed and testing by European NGI Early Adopters.
- The Future of NGI, Wednesday 27 February, 10.30am. This workshop will have on stage some inspiring innovators to debate and explore the main challenges and opportunities to shape the internet of the future. We will talk technology, policy and citizen empowerment.
Another highlight will be the presentation of the NGI Awards on Monday 25 February, from 5.30pm on the Garden Stage. The NGI Awards celebrate excellence in innovation, disruption, education, research and entrepreneurship in Europe and worldwide.
Further, an NGI Salon will be held offsite at the CaixaForum Barcelona on Tuesday 26 February from 2-5pm. The NGI Salon will discuss, “The past, present and future of (y)our internet” and presents a millennials’ viewpoint on the NGI.
Make sure to visit the NGI at booth 52 in the exhibition area, where you’ll find promo materials including all the information about our four current Open Calls. There will also be a dedicated NGI area in the EU Projects Lounge at the event.
Let’s meet there!
