The venture capital arm of Panasonic’s North American operations has launched an effort to cultivate embedded-Linux start-ups.
The Panasonic Digital Concepts Center, through its newly established Technology Collaboration Center, is seeking to invest in four to five start-ups working on Linux technology for embedded computing systems such as consumer electronics devices. Through the initiative, which was launched Tuesday, the company will help the start-ups develop technology and find partners.
Panasonic and its Japanese parent, Matsushita, have been keen on Linux for consumer electronics. The company sells an advanced set-top box and 3G mobile phone that use the open-source operating system; it’s also using Linux in consumer electronics for automobiles and home audiovisual products that are under development, a company representative said.