Students given practical, hands-on experience to solve real-world problems with growing IoT technology

SANTA CLARA, CA – APRIL 14, 2016

Interest in the Internet of Things (IoT) is strong with college students eager to learn about the rising trend in one of the hottest technology sectors. A recent joint effort between Aeris, a pioneer and leader in the IoT, and San Jose State University’s Department of Computer Science proved to be a big hit with SJSU students who presented their technology solutions to real-world problems at Aeris headquarters.

A collaboration between Aeris and SJSU was sparked by Computer Science Professor Dr. Melody Moh in order to provide an introduction to IoT to the SJSU’s students, and promote diversity and gender equality in the technology workforce. The joint effort began three weeks ago with an overview of the IoT industry, the components of an IoT solution and how to build an IoT application. It culminated with eight teams presenting their final projects on April 2 to a panel of four judges representing senior leadership in the business, investment and technology sectors.

“This was a unique opportunity to work with local students and budding entrepreneurs to better prepare them to make an immediate impact in their careers with skills in high demand,” said Harry Plant, vice president of social sector, Aeris. “We were excited to see strong interest from a diverse array of students representing the fabric of the San Jose State University campus and San Jose community.”

The top three teams were chosen based on the originality and creativity of the solution, the project’s technical achievement, the teamwork involved and the real-world value of the solution (including the extent to which it addressed a social need). The top three projects were:

1. An IoT application that targets the patient, doctor and pharmacy to give only the necessary number of pills and thus avoid drug abuse;
2. An IoT application that targets farmers in determining conditions that favor optimal plant growth; and
3. An IoT application that intends to provide a complete shield for a car from unwanted accidents.

The program gave students an overview of developing an IoT application from beginning to end. This involved learning basic scripting languages to write IoT applications, an overview of an IoT development platform and technology, including a Tessel board, sensors, connectivity modules and other IoT technologies. The students also had access to Aeris executives and engineers during office hours to learn how to develop a business case for their IoT solution.

“Our goal is to teach our students the theories and background to technology and its development, and provide them with practical, hands-on experience to build a deeper connection with what we are teaching in the classroom,” said Dr. Moh. “This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to work with Aeris, a leading company based in Silicon Valley, and we were excited to see the final solutions they created.”

Each SJSU student was given a certificate of participation in addition to the hands-on training. Aeris is committed to fostering stronger relationships with local schools and universities, and promoting diversity and gender equity in technology industries and Silicon Valley.

For more information on how Aeris is making an impact with its IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions, visit: http://www.aeris.com/m2m-resources/

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About Aeris
Aeris is a pioneer and leader in the market of the Internet of Things – as an operator of end-to-end IoT and M2M services and as a technology provider enabling other operators to build profitable IoT businesses. Among our customers are the most demanding users of IoT services today, including Hyundai, Acura, Rand McNally, Leica, and Sprint. Through our technology platform and dedicated IoT and M2M services, we strive to fundamentally improve their businesses – by dramatically reducing costs, improving operational efficiency, reducing time-to-market, and enabling new revenue streams.

Visit www.aeris.com or follow us on Twitter @AerisM2M to learn how we can inspire you to create new business models and to participate in the revolution of the Internet of Things.

For more information, please contact:
Kevin Petschow
Aeris
Kevin.Petschow(at)aeris.net
(312) 985-9182

Brian Blank/Meghana Shendrikar
onechocolate for Aeris
aeris(at)onechocolatecomms.com
(415) 989-9803