Verizon 5G Lab launches DC incubator for first responder tech development

Verizon, in partnership with Responder Corp., is launching a 5G First Responder Lab. in D.C. Located within the communications giant’s recently opened 5G Lab in the District, the incubator will host 15 technologists as they develop public safety solutions over a year. The program was designed to give startups and other innovators access to 5G technology to develop, test and refine 5G solutions.

New Verizon 5G Lab will drive the development of 5G use cases for public safety (Press Release) via Verizon Communications https://t.co/nAOgjqypME #ResponderCorp #ResponderXLabs #5GFirstResponderLab #5GFRL pic.twitter.com/q353WsrLXe

— Responder Corp (@ResponderVC) November 9, 2018

“Responder Corp. was founded on the basic principle that first responders deserve access to the best technology. Partnering with Verizon to launch the 5G First Responder Lab is a huge step forward for the industry in delivering on that vision. Verizon’s 5G network has the ability to enable some of the most promising and beneficial technologies we’ve come across,” Nathanial Wish, cofounder and CEO of Responder Corp, said in a statement. “The Lab is our commitment to ensuring those fully enabled solutions are delivered to first responders across the globe.”

The 5G Lab is located at Alley, a coworking space opened last year inside a building that formerly housed Verizon equipment.

Participants will have access to Verizon’s 5G network and the opportunity to collaborate with Responder Corp on 5G product enablement, insight creation, and go-to-market strategies, the press release states. The 15 innovators will be split up into three separate cohorts, lasting three months each.

Applications close on Dec. 31 for the first cohort of the 5G First Responder Lab.