In November of last year, Verizon introduced a new program to develop, test and refine 5G solutions for public safety called the 5G First Responder Lab.
The lab was created to develop unseen, potentially life-saving innovations to public safety using 5G networks. Now, Verizon has selected five companies to work on these innovations, the first of three cohorts that will bring together 15 companies over a one-year period to develop public safety go-to-market strategies.
The companies selected include: Adcor Magnetic Systems, a company that creates sensors to detect, identify, track and correlate on a digital 3D environment; Blueforce Development, developing situational awareness and sensors to enhance field operations and communications; Kiana Analytics, a physical safety and security platform company for real-time location and situational awareness; Qwake Technologies, which develops augmented reality to help firefighters see in smoke-filled, zero-visibility hazardous environments; and Aerial Applications, a company developing visual data for drones.
The goal of the program is to create an incubator for 5G working with universities, startups and other vendors to co-create 5G concepts and trial them on Verizon’s pre-commercial 5G network. Verizon wants to create solutions based on machine learning and artificial intelligence, drones and robotics, indoor location and situational awareness, and virtual and augmented reality. These technologies will be merged with Verizon’s 5G network to enable new technologies for every first responder agency.
Verizon is currently accepting applications for its second cohort for the 5G First Responder Lab that is open through April 5 of this year. Companies and entrepreneurs can apply by visiting 5GFirstResponderLab.com.
