BT launched its ninth Infinity Lab Competition, with a focus on “seeking brilliant and simple ideas which can help shape future services used by our customers”, and this time mobile arm EE will be joining in.

The two will evaluate the business and technology of the winning entry and explore opportunities to work together commercially.

Open to all start-ups, BT wants entrants to focus on apps and services that use the speed, capacity and low latency of its 4G network, and improve the customer and mobile experience, as well as network efficiency.

The winner will be able to take advantage of expertise from both BT and EE’s research, engineering, commercial and marketing teams.

EE CEO Marc Allera is sponsoring the project. According to him, “we have built one of the most advanced 4G networks anywhere in the world and are constantly on the lookout for ideas that utilise its strengths and provide amazing new experiences for our customers”.

The deadline to enter the competition is 7 August. Shortlisted companies will present their ideas in September.

Launched in partnership with TechHub in September 2013, Infinity Lab also provides a physical lab space.