BT has launched its ninth Infinity Lab Competition, which aims to seek out the best innovative ideas for mobile network users. Mobile network provider EE will take part in the competition for the first time alongside BT Mobile. EE CEO Marc Allera is sponsoring the project.

The competition is open to all start-ups and aims to highlight “brilliantly simple ideas” which have the ultimate goal of providing new experiences for mobile users.

Suggested areas of focus include: mobile apps and services that fully utilise the speed, capacity and latency of the 4G network; and innovations that enhance the customer experience (such as analytics and personalisation) and the mobile experience, as well as network efficiency, especially in the most challenging parts of the UK.

Shortlisted companies will be invited to Wembley Stadium on Tuesday 6 September to present their ideas to BT and EE. The winners will be announced at the Dragons’ Den-style panel event on 12 September, after which EE and BT will then work with the winning company to evaluate their business and technology and explore opportunities to work together commercially.

The winner will be able to take advantage of insight and expertise from both companies’ research, engineering, commercial and marketing teams. The prize also includes six months’ membership to the TechHub entrepreneur community.