5PRING, UK’s first commercial 5G application accelerator has launched the Smart Cities Accelerator in May and the application is almost coming to a close (25th June). Startups and SMEs with 5G-enabled solutions that leverage capabilities such as augmented reality, virtual reality, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and edge computing are strongly encouraged to apply.
“5G is making smart cities a reality. 5G offers more device density, low latency and reliability that will deeply transform our cities to enable connectivity of infrastructure and devices. With our 5PRING acceleraor programmes we are creating a platform for the private and public sector to jointly innovate with tech disruptors and building an ecosystem that supports and builds innovative ideas that can transform the way we live and do business.”
— Hilina Risom, 5G Programme Manager
What is 5PRING?
5PRING was launched a year ago as UK’s first commercial 5G application accelerator and is powered by industry giants Wayra UK, O2, Deloitte, Digital Catapult and West Midlands 5G. 5PRING is a 5G open-innovation accelerator that connects startups and scaleups with corporates to generate joint 5G powered business opportunities.
About the 5PRING Smart Cities Accelerator
The Smart Cities Accelerator will provide startups and other small businesses with support in developing and scaling 5G innovations targeted at the health, social, public and transport sectors. This includes developing ‘Smart City’ solutions to support health and wellbeing, digital experiences, smart parking, journey planning, waste management and many more.
Organisations will be working with experts from seven Local Authorities across the West Midlands region as well as two Local Enterprises; Birmingham City Council, Coventry City Council, City of Wolverhampton Council, Warwickshire County Council, Sandwell Borough Council, Solihull Borough Council, Dudley Borough Council, Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership and Black Country Consortium Ltd. Applicant’s solutions will harness the power of 5G to create safe, cutting-edge and successful Smart Cities, with challenge areas in:
- Health and Wellbeing
- Public Services
- Social & Events
- Public Safety and Security
Challenge areas
Health and Wellbeing
How might we improve health and wellbeing through behavioural changes monitored by 5G?
- Reducing isolation, loneliness, the number of falls, and improving mental-health
- Providing remote care and consultations
- Environment and activity monitoring remotely
- Incentivised behavioural change
Public Services
How might we improve the efficiency of public services using 5G?
- Specifically related to: Fly-tipping and littering
- Waste management and rubbish collection
- Road condition monitoring
- Smart parking
Social & Events
How might we improve the attractiveness of the high street and local regions of interest using 5G? For example:
- Creating digital experiences using AR / VR
- Journey planning and mapping within the city centre
Public Safety and Security
How might we increase public safety in the West Midlands using 5G? For example: Monitoring and response to anti-social behaviour
- Monitoring and regulating high foot traffic areas
- Retrofitting legacy monitoring equipment
Ideal tech stack
- Augmented Reality
- Virtual Reality
- AI
- Machine learning
- Computer Vision
- IoT
- Real-time monitoring & response
- Mobile edge computing
