Converge Event Promotes the Future of First Response Technology
First responders will gather with entrepreneurs representing ten selected ventures in Washington D.C. on October 11-12 to discuss the future of first response technology at Converge. This marks the first of two events in the second installment of the TechNexus’ EMERGE accelerator, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security. This event will allow police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical professionals from across the country to provide feedback to ventures participating in the program. These first responders face mission-critical situations daily, and are dependent upon reliable technology to ensure their safety. Building relationships between end-users and the entrepreneurs developing next-generation technology will enable commercialization better suited to the highly complex needs of first responder personnel. In addition, this forum will serve as the launchpad for establishing pilots, operational trials, and other real-world use cases with first responders and corporate partners.
This year, the Emerge program continues the efforts of the Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) to collaborate with innovators and solve the most important issues faced by first responders in the field. Industrial wearable applications such as protective clothing, integrated voice and data communication systems, and advanced sensors enable responders to focus on the situation before them in the most adverse conditions and challenging environments.
In the field, first responders are consistently faced with complex and changing threat environments. When one mentions wearables, consumers generally associate hardware such as fitness trackers. Yet first responders often cannot afford to strap on extra pounds in the form of additional equipment and accessories; this means that new technology must seamlessly integrate into existing hardware. To avoid packing on more equipment, many ventures in this year’s program are looking to introduce integrative solutions to existing attire and devices. Selected ventures are working to outfit the first responder of the future with heads up displays, smart clothing, preventative health monitoring, and more. To learn more about the 10 finalist ventures, visit emerge-technexus.com/ventures
In addition to DHS S&T and the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT), TechNexus is again working with corporate partner Exelon (one of the nation’s leading energy companies), to help envision and enable the field worker of the future. The first responder of the future is in many ways analogous to the field worker of the future. Exelon’s field, utility, and nuclear employees and first responders are faced with similar challenges in the field, and often collaborate on the scene of disasters or emergencies. These overlapping use cases provide an excellent opportunity for collaboration and feedback; engaging Exelon in the conversation will fast track market and commercial use opportunities for this year’s participating ventures.
In connecting entrepreneurs with first responders, DHS S&T, CIT, and corporate partners like Exelon, TechNexus is expediting the path to market for new technology. Through collaborative events like Converge, ventures have the opportunity to get to the heart of industry needs and specific technology gaps. At the same time, corporate partnerships provide a path to market and investment that drives market validation, increasing venture success. This is smarter venture development. At TechNexus, our dynamic, next-stage acceleration model facilitates collaborative venture growth with faster commercial validation from end-users and industry leaders. Learn more at http://emerge-technexus.com/
