The Internet of Things, or IoT, embeds our physical objects with sensors, electronics, software, and network connectivity to bring intelligence to everyday objects. These smart devices generate vast quantities of data. When coupled with cloud based storage and analytics, we can understand our world in real time in ways we never could before.
McDonald’s has been involved in IoT before the term was even invented. From a connected refrigerator that alerts a manager when the door has been left open, to a
shelf with sensors that can tell crew members when an item needs to be replenished, we’ve been thinking about these applications for a long time.
IoT has applications in almost every facet of our lives. In this session, we will hear startups pitch their ideas for the future of IoT.
On Demand: The proliferation of mobile devices has led to the rise of the on demand economy where almost anything can be summoned with a few taps on your smartphone. Marketplaces that aggregate supply and demand, seamless payments, and transparent ratings / reviews have removed much of the friction from these transactions.
As the world’s leading global food service retailer, delivering on demand experiences is critical for the next phase of McDonald’s growth and development. Our restaurant should no longer be constrained by its four walls. We want to be able to provide on demand experiences to our customers wherever and whenever. We call it Food Anywhere.
On demand business models are changing the fundamental structure of our economy. In this session, we will hear from startups leading this transformation.
FoodTech:Â As our population continues to expand, food technology is fundamental to delivering a
future where everyone on the planet has food security: plentiful, inexpensive, healthy food. Advances in food production and preparation deliver healthier and tastier options. New packaging keeps hot food hot and cold food cold. Some startups are even experimenting with 3D printing food, bringing a new level of fun to the table.
McDonald’s has been a pioneer in food technology for 60 years. Growing, storing, cooking, and delivering food are some of the oldest forms of technology, but that technology is still evolving and the pace of evolution is accelerating.
Food tech is critical to meeting one of the most basic human needs. In this session, we will hear from startups pioneering the next wave of food tech.
Mobility On-Demand: Do you remember how you got around in the era before traffic and arrival times could all be easily accessed on your phones? How about the legwork needed to get groceries delivered in under an hour before the advent of on-demand services? Recent innovations have solved many of the logistical and economical challenges to make this world of mobility possible, and we’re just at the start of this massive shift allowing for greater levels of convenience. In this session, we will hear from startups further ushering us into the next wave of mobility and their applications to the everyday food space.
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Internet of Things: The Internet of Things (IoT) embeds sensors, electronics, software and network connectivity into physical objects. The insights gathered from these smart devices allow us to understand our world in real time in ways we never could before. Enabling IoT in our 14,000 US stores and kitchens helps us to better know and understand consumer behavior. IoT has the ability to upend almost every facet of our lives, and in this session, we will hear from startups making waves in this space.
Retail Innovation: For a provider of everyday convenience like McDonald’s, we must continually innovate to keep up with changing customer expectations and emerging behaviors so that we can continue to improve the consumer experience – from how we package our food to new supporting new technologies in our restaurant. Over the last 40 years, McDonald’s has pioneered the concept of the drive-thru, as well as many more important retail innovations. In this session, we will hear from startups pioneering new innovations in the retail industry.
This competition is in no way administered by SXSW, LLC
We Want You... to submit a valid entry. Once you click "Submit Application", you will have 60 minutes to enter your application, so we suggest preparing everything ahead of time! Here is what you will need to have:
• Agree to the Terms and Conditions (Download)
• Two minute video of your pitch or idea (This should not be a professional demo, but rather an introduction and explaination of why you would be a good fit for the competition. Webcam videos are just fine. You can also tell us anything else about yourselves and your company at this time.)
• Company background and details
• Description of your company’s pitch and competitive advantage
• The reason we should choose you to present
• All relevant details including contact information, social media, and website links
ALL APPLICATIONS ARE DUE FEBRUARY 14th @ MIDNIGHT (12:00AM CST
Competitors will have 15 minutes to pitch with 5 minutes for questions and deliberation. The panel of 3 judges will be comprised of 1 McDonald's Global Digital executive, 1 Industry Expert, and 1 VC or Angel Investor.
They will judge all pitches on the combination of the following criteria:
• Current traction of the product and impressive business milestones
• Creative and innovative thinking surrounding the product
• Market potential of the product
• Clear and strong value offered to consumers by the product
• Useability and effectiveness in accomplishing business objectives
 Each session finalist will receive:
• A travel package worth $1,000 to support a trip to meet with the McDonald's Business Development team and VIPs in person
• Invitations to meet with McDonald's Executives during SXSW Interactive
• Shoutouts on McDonald's social media channel
• Publicity through McDonald's media opportunities like being featured in a SXSW.com blog post
    and maybe even the chance to work out of McDonald's San Francisco or Chicago offices...
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One winner from each session will be selected to have a brainstorming meeting with the McDonald’s Digital Team.
One Grand Prize winner from amongst all three sessions will have the opportunity to pitch their idea or business to McDonald’s C-Suite Team.