When five of its graduates built companies based on smart devices last year, took a hint and embraced the technology known as the Internet of Things.
By May, the tech accelerator possibly the area’s first Internet of Things Lab targeting startups and entrepreneurs who want to make devices, apps and software for the space. , a partner, is providing experts, resources and broadband, plus an undisclosed amount of money.
Boomtown Boulder’s 5,500-square-foot space will be split between the existing tech accelerator and a new Internet of Things lab. Image courtesy of Boomtown.
“In the future, even if you believe you are just an Internet or a mobile app company, you’re going to have to make sure your technology plays with this myriad of new platforms and devices,” said Toby Krout, Boomtown’s managing director. “We think it is our responsibility to have a lab where our companies have a place to work on the protocols. We’re planning for the future.”
Chui, a 2014 Boomtown accelerator graduate, is working on a smart doorbell that will recognize homeowners using facial recognition.
The Internet of Things space is already quite large. Market-research firms like Gartner will be in use this year. Recent graduates just from Boomtown include that uses facial recognition so homeowners can go keyless; and app for parking companies to help them better track open spaces; and that allows owners to talk and listen to their dogs when apart.
IoT labs are sparse but not unheard of. A handful of , private and other offer resources to students and companies wanting to test out devices and software.
Boomtown’s building, at 2060 Broadway, currently serves as a coworking space and a spot for companies in its accelerator, a 3-month program for tech startups that occurs twice a year. Prior to 2014, it was a coworking space .
The new lab will be housed in the existing 5,500-square-foot facility. “We had more space than we needed for an accelerator,” Krout said.
The lab will include design and software work stations and equipment like 3D printers, scanners and soldering tools. Plus, it plans to make available every IoT device — tablets, smart thermostats, doorbells, lightbulb, appliances, etc. — so developers can test their software or device on the existing world of Internet things.
“We will have all of the things that an IoT startup would need to get from concept to actual product. The product won’t be market ready but they can build a product and test it,” Krout said. “It’s really a give back (to the community).”
The plan is to keep the Boomtown IoT lab open to all startups who need access. Details are being worked out but unlike some places, users won’t need to be a member. It’ll be more like a but less hobby and tinkering and more purpose driven for students and entrepreneurs who need to use a 3D printer to build a prototype or test their app out in the IoT device world.
“The time is right for these types of labs,” Krout added. “Our founders are in love it with it, well, that sounds too healthy. They’re addicted to new innovation. It’s why we get up in the morning. But the most important reason is it just makes sense. If we’re in the business of accelerating startups, it’s our responsibility to give them the equipment.”
Construction is about to start and will work around the next Boomtown accelerator session, which begins class on Monday. The lab hopes to open during the week of May 11 to coincide with .
