Once again this year, SAME Forum in Sophia Antipolis demonstrated what it does best: Bring technologists together in a collegial atmosphere to discuss and debate the latest trends in technology. Always a key part of the agenda, this year’s Startup Panel was even better than the 2011 event because it was held in the several hours before cocktails and the conference dinner.
Moderated by Intel’s Steven Klinger from 5:30 to 7:30 pm on October 2nd, six companies had the opportunity to stand up in front of an SRO crowd of over 100 to describe their ideas, vision, and business plans. At the end of the two hours, a panel of judges met to determine which of the six companies would receive the annual Most Promising Startup Award. In the eyes of many, however, just appearing on the panel was reward enough.
Following the two hours of presentations, the Startup company representatives had a chance to sit and talk one-on-one at tables near the cocktails and hors d’oeuvres with those interested in their nascent product offerings. It was an ebullient event full of substantive conversation, start to finish.
