5G First Responder Lab, a public safety incubator backed by Verizon and Responder Corp. have announced their first incubator class. The lab will launch with five startups that will work together for three months. Two subsequent three-month rounds will follow.
The Lab is part of Verizon’s work on expanding 5G enabled technologies for first responders. Responder Corp is part of Responder Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in public safety companies.
Adcor Magnetic Systems; Aerial Applications; Blueforce Development; Kiana Analytics and Qwake Technologies will make up the first cohort.
- Adcor Magnetic Systems creates sensors to detect, identify, track and correlate on a digital 3D environment.
- Aerial Applications offers drone solutions to turn visual data into actionable insights.
- Blueforce Development provides situational awareness solutions and sensors to enhance field operations and communication.
- Kiana Analytics is a physical safety and security platform with engagement analytics for real-time location/situational awareness.
- Qwake Technologies provides augmented reality products to help firefighters see in smoke-filled, zero-visibility, hazardous environments.
The first five were chosen based on how well they fit into the core goals of the incubator which are to enhance public safety readiness and response plans. The incubator is also looking for companies that can help with recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Verizon has five 5G Labs, with locations in New York City, NY; Palo Alto, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Cambridge, MA and Washington, DC. The New York City lab has served as a model for helping address the needs of first responders. The first cohort of incubator companies will work out of the Washington D.C. Lab.
Applications for the second cohort of the 5G First Responder Lab are open now through April 5, 2019.
