Ubuntu and Startups are a match made in code

We’ve just come back from an awesome MWC! Not only did we showcase new tablets, phones and developments in Cloud, but we had a whole wall dedicated to IoT established companies and startups using Ubuntu Core.

Our partner startups ranged from wireless base stations, smart cities, autonomous drones through to showing how the future of Airbnb could work!

The breadth of the verticals showcased is an example of Ubuntu Core’s potential. It has the ability to transform ‘one-function-devices’ into innovative and secure app platforms where it’s easy to add, update and upgrade the software. The OS and apps are separate, so it’s easier for developer to concentrate on what’s important to them! With a signature authenticator to prove what’s running, this means there’s greater security…and we’re a company full of developers that understand the importance of effortless tools! Therefore we’ve created a simple app packaging system for makers to easily build and maintain apps on.

It’s for these reasons our partner startups choose to work with us and we’re super chuffed that they are being recognised for the amazing work they do! Slock.It and UAVIA, who were both demoing with us at MWC, were finalists at IoTStars this year and Slock.it took home the award for best IoT Startup at FY4N, the sister-event to MWC.

Slock.it is creating the infrastrucutre of the future shared economy. It deploys smart contracts based on blockchain technology directly onto your home gateway which allows you to rent, sell or share anything without the middlemen. Their demo at our stand showed how an airbnb of the future could work with a smart contract negotiated between parties to rent your house for a certain period of time.

UAVIA operate in the space of autonomous drones. They showcased the only drone in the world to be remotely piloted over a 4G connection…using Ubuntu Core – which easily allows them to update a fleet of drones located in remote locations without physically interacting with the devices!

In a very different industry was Screenly – a digital signage company that can turn TVs and Monitors into a digital billboard using the super affordable Raspberry Pi! Here’s a quick demo.

These were just a few of the startups demoing and you can check out the others here.

Canonical has strong entrepreneurial roots, and working with startups is something we highly value. Not only do we thrive to share software like Ubuntu Core with the maker community and help them build an internet of revenue generating things (see Mark’s keynote at 4YFN), we are also here to support startups using Ubuntu Core and help you shine! If you’re doing something amazing in IOT with Ubuntu… just get in touch!! {ubuntu-devices@canonical.com} as we’re keen to share the efforts of those using our service. Or if you’re a developer that’s interested, you can find out more here.