Market assessment for battery free WiFi communication system

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University of Waterloo (UW) researchers have developed a novel, battery-free WiFi communication systemthat leverages features of the 802.11 MAC layer to communicate. This invention enables devices that might beused in IoT applications (e.g., sensors) to communicate using existing WiFi infrastructure. This newcommunication technology is compliant with modern 802.11n, 802.11ac and 802.11ax networks and protocols.Because existing systems are typically not very user-friendly (they require manually pairing the device with anaccess point) and are power hungry (thus needing frequent battery replacements and/or charging) this newtechnology provides significant advantages over existing systems.Other advantages of this battery-free WiFi communication system include: 1) It achieves power consumptionas low as 1.25 µW (26 times lower than the existing most energy efficient WiFi backscattering systems); 2) Itdoes not require any software or hardware modifications to WiFi access points or devices; 3) It works withWiFi networks that use a security protocol such as WPA or WEP; 4) It is compatible with all modern WiFistandards. This system can be used in any application where wireless sensors are utilized. Specific IoT exampleapplications include, smart-homes, agricultural monitoring, supply chain logistics and biometric sensors.As part of this Market Assessment grant, the selected consultant will perform a thorough market analysis toidentify the most suitable market opportunities along with technical, marketing and financial challengesassociated with the application of the technology in a particular market segment. A favorable marketassessment result will further guide the development of a commercialization strategy and in attractinginvestments.