US Ignite Fosters Technology for the Next Generation

Building on the Administration's efforts responding to the driving demand for gigabit broadband networks, in 2012 the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Science Foundation supported the launch of the US Ignite initiative, a private/public partnership that is fostering transformation of the public sector by accelerating the development and deployment of next-generation applications.

An independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization, US Ignite is working closely with its partners to create an ecosystem of 60 applications and 200 test beds for next-generation applications that will have a profound impact on how Americans work, live, learn, and play. These applications capitalize on the potential for gigabit broadband networks to improve education and workforce development, advanced manufacturing, health, transportation, public safety, and clean energy.

As the Chief Geek at Fitnet, which was recently named Apple's best new mobile app for health and fitness, Bob Summers has developed and marketed consumer Internet applications since 1994. Summers developed iSpQ VideoChat, a desktop video conferencing software, to reach over 3.0 million users from 196 countries and territories, and continues to be passionate about creating compelling online video experiences.

The app combines unique fitness content, computer vision based biometric feedback, and social sharing. A global network of fitness trainers provide weekly video workouts (ex: yoga, Pilates, karate, kickboxing) delivered instantly to mobile and gigabit connected devices. Computer vision technology accurately tracks human motion relative to the trainer to provide real time feedback. Data from the algorithm is stored for goal progression, workout recommendations, analysis, and sharing.

[Maynard is Assistant Director for Telecommunications Innovation at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy]