Innovators in WirelessTechnology Receive 2018Bluetooth WorkingGroup Awards

October 16, 2018
Jason Marcel

Working groups are the driving force behind Bluetooth^® technology, delivering innovations that unify, harmonize, and power the vast range of connected devices all around us. Working group members collaborate to define new specifications and enhance adopted specs, which determine the functionality, capabilities, and interoperability of future wireless devices.

This past month, the 2018 Bluetooth Working Group Summit celebrated 20 years of Bluetooth member innovation. Throughout the week, working group members had an opportunity to hold comprehensive face-to-face discussions about the future of Bluetooth technology, and all Bluetooth members were invited to participate in a full day of informative updates from the most active working groups and attend visionary presentations about what the future of wireless connectivity has in store.

At the summit, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) also awarded the annual Working Group Awards to working groups, committee members, and contributors who were recognized by their peers for their impact and dedication to advancing Bluetooth technology. Their devotion throughout the year and commitment to making a difference is what keeps Bluetooth technology at the forefront of the Internet of Things (IoT).

Thanks to all the Working Group Members who voted and commented on the commitment of their awarded peers. Congratulations to all our award winners.

2018 Working Group Award Winners

Working Group/Committee Chair of the Year

Mayank Batra, Qualcomm

“He showed hard work and professionalism in the Core Specification Working Group over the last two years. He has the talent to simplify the problems to their essence and find good compromise.” — Bluetooth^® Working Group Member

Working Group of the Year

Mesh Working Group

“The group has ‘kept the ball rolling’ very actively after the 1.0 adoption, pushing a great set of new features at an accelerated pace with almost no signs of fatigue.” — Bluetooth^® Working Group Member

Outstanding Technical Contributor of the Year

Piotr Winiarczyk, Silvair, Inc.

“It is hard to name a feature within Bluetooth^® mesh that has not benefited from his contributions.” — Bluetooth Working Group Member

Outstanding New Contributor in Bluetooth SIG Groups

Himanshu Bhalla, Intel Corporation

“Drove the Generic Audio Working Group towards consensus about ASCP procedures of Unicast Audio Stream Control. He clarified multiple flows about PAC Discovery and ASE Configuration, audio topology, and architecture. The procedures which he defined are a corner stone for next generation audio and stream management.” — Bluetooth^® Working Group Member

Key Contributors to Adopted Specifications

Reconnection Configuration Profile and Service

Felix Bootz, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG

“Felix is the ‘technical brain’ of the Reconnection Configuration Service and Profile. Many features already implemented proprietarily are now available in a communication standard.” — Bluetooth^® Working Group Member

Insulin Delivery Profile and Service

Harald Prinzhorn, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG

“Harald is the main author of Insulin delivery and has driven the specification and test documentation work persistent during the last 5 years.” — Bluetooth^® Working Group Member

Join a Working Group

If you’re interested in influencing the direction of wireless technology and want to help shape the IoT, a Bluetooth working group is the place for you. Learn more about joining a Bluetooth working group.

Outstanding New Contributor in Bluetooth SIG Groups

Himanshu Bhalla, Intel Corporation