The Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology and the DHS Center of Innovation www.usafa.edu/df/dfer/centers/coi located at the Air Force Academy are working in partnership with the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT)www.cit.org/emerge in Virginia to develop a new accelerator program.
The new accelerator program is called “EMERGE! Accelerating Wearable Tech for First Responders” is to speed the delivery of the latest innovative wearable technologies for responders while helping emerging startups developing these technologies to find new markets to sell products.
EMERGE! is open to startups who are ready to engage in a rigorous mentorship program designed to produce the next generation of innovation in the wearable technology field. The program is interested in wearable technologies such as body-worn electronics, advanced sensors, and integrated voice and data communications embedded in a responder’s gear.
The goal is to develop and launch ideas into investable companies by providing early market validation and provide access to private investment. The program will accelerate the development of selected commercial wearable technologies and introduce the technologies to a variety of markets, including the Government sector.
After conducting an extensive review and solicitation of America’s top accelerators, CIT chose two organizations for the EMERGE! pilot:
- Tech Wildcatters www.techwildcatters.com of Dallas Texas a seed accelerator focusing on high growth technology startups
- TechNexus www.technexus.com hosts, mentors, and invests in growth-stage startups that are willing to work with larger businesses to reach customers and markets, faster, and more profitably
The program for 2015 began March 2015 and is now taking applications, with companies to be selected in May. Programs will begin in June and Demo Day will be held in September 2015.
For more information email emerge@cit.org, call 703-689-3000 or go to www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/accelerator.