Verizon and Centech Unveil Results of 5G Development Hub

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Jan. 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon and Centech today announced the results from the first cohort of startups and scaleups in the . Centech is a world-class business incubator and non-profit organization based in Montreal, which welcomes innovative technology projects that meet the needs of the industry, market and society.

Launched in May 2022, the 5G Development Hub works to unlock innovation in multiple industries including manufacturing, supply chain, transportation, smart cities, energy and utilities. 

Seven startups were selected to participate, and worked alongside network experts from Verizon to create new 5G use cases, and incorporate 5G and MEC-enabled technologies into their services. Selected companies tested their innovative solutions on Bell’s 5G network and mobile edge computing platform and benefited from Centech’s mentoring on business development and growth strategy.

“Verizon has a vested interest in the 5G future, and we see an extraordinary opportunity to encourage entrepreneurs to leverage the advanced capabilities that 5G offers,” said Jeff Frantz, Executive Director of Ecosystem Development at Verizon. “These programs enable startups to test, explore and create the products and ecosystems of tomorrow.”

“The 5G Development Hub brings together Canada’s booming startup ecosystem and the expertise of leading 5G and MEC providers,” said Richard Chénier, General Director at Centech. “5G is important for the future of innovation and this first cohort has proven to be successful. We look forward to continuing to create a space where we maximize the potential of startups through the use of 5G while equipping them to transform key sectors such as manufacturing, energy and smart cities.”

The 5G cohort companies and the results achieved through the 5G Development Hub include:

Kognitiv Spark creates Mixed Reality (MR) solutions with their robust MR platform, RemoteSpark. Kognitiv Spark has helped promote the adoption of MR in sectors where the technology can have a significant impact, including nuclear and power utilities, aerospace and defense and increasingly in the public sector.

• Kognitiv Spark 5G Application: Enhances overall performance of the RemoteSpark MR platform, using the speed and throughput 5G can offer to achieve higher resolution video calls and near-real time transfer of digital assets.   

I-5O has built a deep learning powered computer vision platform which helps manufacturers track, measure and improve their manual production operations in near-real time.

• I-5O 5G Application: Continuously generates actionable insights on production operations and detect process deviations in near real-time. Uses 5G to expand where cameras can be used, not just where an Ethernet connection is available.

Haply Robotics develops 3D haptic controllers that replicate tactile sensory input, allowing users to interact with an environment through a screen or VR headset. These technologies can be used to control industrial robots, support workforce training and remotely supervise vehicles that interact with physical environments.

• Haply Robotics 5G Application: Leverages the low latency that 5G can provide plus the adaptability of MEC to enable near real-time control of robots with haptic feedback.   

SmartCone is an IoT Connected Ecosystem company servicing a wide array of use cases including intelligent transportation systems, asset tracking and mining. SmartCone has created an open architecture system integration platform which includes the hardware and software components. SmartCone has multiple patents and its own full stack embedded programming language.

• SmartCone 5G Application: Moves processing and sensor fusion capabilities from the SmartCone device to MEC. Leveraging 5G alongside MEC can allow for greater communication and information sharing between devices.

Edgecom Energy provides custom hardware and software solutions to reduce energy costs and emissions for large energy users, helping decision makers understand, improve and control how they consume energy, water and natural gas.

• Edgecom Energy 5G Application: The lower latency that 5G can provide makes it possible to not only monitor energy use, but also control connected devices in near real-time, allowing for integration with the grid for greater resiliency, demand response and frequency regulation.

FuseForward offers an edge-secure data and analytics platform designed for organizations with multiple applications, data sources and diverse user groups. The company's integrated, scalable and secure platform provides actionable insights and analysis capabilities supporting both near-real time and historic reporting.

• FuseForward 5G Application: Expands smart campus analytical capabilities by integrating sensors in areas without a wired connection and layering in live video analytics streamed across 5G and processed using MEC.

Peytec is an Industrial IoT and AI company that builds and sells hyper-accurate location tracking and sensing solutions. Peytec specializes in inventory tracking, asset management and real-time quality control. Peytec mainly serves industrial sectors including mining, manufacturing and agriculture.

• Peytec 5G Application: Virtualizes the master scheduling nodes using low latency of 5G and MEC to reduce hardware costs for asset tracking, while also simplifying deployment and maintenance.

About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology and communications services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $133.6 billion in 2021. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

About Bell Canada

Leveraging the power of our world-class wireless and fiber networks, BCE delivers a wide range of service innovations to consumers, businesses and government customers across Canada including LTE Advanced, Fiber Internet and TV, Wireless Home Internet, cloud and data hosting, IP voice and collaboration, Connected Cars, Smart Cities and Internet of Things. 

Bell Media operates the country’s top media brands, such as CTV, V, TSN, RDS, Crave, Noovo and iHeartRadio, and is a leading investor in Canadian content creation, including local television and radio news, sports and entertainment programming, and other original TV and film productions. 

About Centech

Centech is an ecosystem that propels technological innovation and entrepreneurship projects from science and engineering. Open to all, Centech was founded in 1996 by the École de technologie supérieure. Thanks to its Acceleration and Propulsion programs, Centech acts as a real instrument of growth, thus creating one of the largest concentrations of technology entrepreneurs in the start-up phase in Quebec and Canada. Since 2018, Centech has its own open innovation hub, the Collision Lab, where large companies are supported in their open innovation initiatives in collaboration with technology startups.

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