The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) launched the global Bluetooth Small Business Incentive Program designed to “grow the Bluetooth technology market by creating new avenues of innovation and market entry for small businesses.” The idea is to provide a one-time discount on qualification related fees to those who apply for and meet the criteria specified.
Small, entrepreneurial businesses are important to technology innovation and evolution. As Bluetooth technology embarks on its ambitious technology roadmap, the incentive program will enhance the diversity and quality of Bluetooth products in the market while maintaining the global requirements for product qualification. Small businesses will enjoy significant cost savings in their earliest attempts to be competitive in the Bluetooth technology market, allowing them a unique opportunity to gain traction before graduating to the same cost structure as larger market players. By giving these companies a lower cost entry point to the market, small businesses are able to ensure quality while also gaining access to the growing demand for Bluetooth technology products. Additionally, the program benefits the Bluetooth market at large by reducing the number of unqualified products making their way to store shelves.
Interested small businesses must prove that they have a paid-in capital of $2.4 million or less and that their revenue from the most recent financial year does not exceed $3 million. Once validated, they will enjoy a significant discount on the costs of qualification — including two listings on the Qualified Design Listings (QDL), and one-year license to use the Bluetooth Profile Tuning Suite (PTS) for a pre-payment of $2,500. Apparently, this equates to a savings of USD $15,000.
Program has already started and for more information check out Bluetooth SIG’s website.