VCs fund the semantic web, ESTC08 runs start-up competition

Commercialising R&D can be a challenge in some markets more than others. What is interesting about semantic technology is that venture capitalists and other investors now really seem to get it. One novel feature we are adding to the ESTC 2008 event I've mentioned before, is to offer a forum for new business ideas and ventures, as well talking about the latest research, development and business benefits of the technology. A lot of this will be done informally but there’s also a business idea competition. Calling it a dragons' den is perhaps going too far but we will be putting entrants in direct contact with a set of judges who are passionate about getting great semantic technology from the lab and into the market. And for one I am looking forward to hearing the pitches and announcing the finalist.

Getting Semantic Tech out of the Lab

First day back from my vacation and preparing for the ESTC event later next month in Vienna. Gathering up information that supports the event's contention that semantic technology is breaking out of the lab and into the commercial world, I drew up the following list:

- Information company Thomson Reuters uses semantic technology to automatically process news stories and feed features directly into algorithmic trading

- Chemical giant BASF uses semantic technology to search for alternatives to animal testing

- Airplane maker Airbus uses the technology in wing design

- The Italian Ministry of Culture and Heritage uses it to provide automated responses to tourist enquiries via SMS. Tourists can text questions e.g. about museum opening times in everyday language and receive a rapid reply on their mobile phones

It's in no particular order but it's a good taster of how semantic technology is going to be applied in a wider variety of applications than previously assumed. Most if not all of these companies will be speaking and/or attending ESTC, which has just published its final programme.