Vodafone, Ericsson and NovaUCD have partnered to launch Ireland’s first dedicated 5G/Iot accelerator programme. The initiative was announced as part of the launch of Vodafone Ireland’s first live 5G network site for commercial use in Dublin’s docklands.
Organisers say that the accelerator programme will assist entrepreneurs who want to successfully launch 5G/IoT network-enabled products and services. It is suitable for a range of sectors, including agtech, medtech, transport, manufacturing, energy and utilities.
5G/IoT is expected to bring ten times faster data transfer speeds, enabling applications such as network-delivered virtual, augmented and mixed realities for richer learning and gaming experiences.
It will also bring shorter delays in communication, enabling drones, autonomous vehicles and Industry 4.0 robotics to communicate faster.
Over a 10-week period, starting in May, the accelerator programme will offer 12 entrepreneurial teams the opportunity to validate the commercial potential and technical feasibility of their network products and services. The programme will take place at NovaUCD.
In Association with
The accelerator programme says it will offer expert workshops, mentoring, opportunities to trial products in collaboration with Ericsson and Vodafone, free co-working space in NovaUCD and supports for next-stage validation on the 5G network.
A morning briefing session on the new programme will be held on April 16 in the Ericsson Software Campus, Athlone. Guest speakers at this session will include Laura Turkington, senior manager, global innovation and business development, Vodafone.
Application Deadline
The deadline for receipt of completed applications is April 26. All applications received will be reviewed by a panel comprising commercial, technical and startup experts from Vodafone, Ericsson and NovaUCD.
A number of teams will then be shortlisted to pitch to a panel of experts on May 14 in Dublin, after which up to 12 teams will be selected to participate on the programme. The accelerator programme will start soon thereafter and will be completed by the end of July. A final pitching event will then take place in early September.
Further details on the 5G/IoT Accelerator Programme, including a link to the application form and to register interest to attend the briefing session in Athlone on April 16, are available here.
Tom Flanagan, UCD director of enterprise and commercialisation, said that applications will be welcomed from established businesses, startups and academic researchers in Ireland and abroad, who are developing, or who want to develop, consumer or business-oriented network offerings.
Photo: (l-r) Tom Flanagan; Max Gasparroni, Vodafone Ireland; John Griffin, Ericsson Ireland; and Anne O’Leary, Vodafone Ireland (Pic: Naoise Culhane Photography)
