5G Open Innovation Lab: Leading the Future of Connectivity and Innovation
5 min read
Bellevue, WA – The 5G Open Innovation Lab (5G OI Lab) is rapidly becoming a central player in the technology and telecommunications landscape. It has announced two industry giants, AT&T and Comcast, as founding partners, marking a significant milestone. Moreover, the Lab has unveiled its Batch #8 cohort, its largest to date, consisting of 17 multi-stage startups with over $313 million in venture capital. These startups are set to kick off the 5G OI Lab’s Fall program this week.
The Evolution of the 5G Open Innovation Lab
Since its inception in May 2020 with Batch #1, the 5G Open Innovation Lab has been on a mission to create an ecosystem that fosters collaboration, innovation, and transformation across industries. Today, with 118 startups in its ecosystem, it has become a hub for global startups, technology platforms, integrations, and enterprises. The Lab’s success is attributed to its focus on the convergence of 5G and edge computing, unlocking new possibilities in cloud, edge, and AI technologies across sectors like agriculture, power generation, manufacturing, logistics, and medicine.
Jim Brisimitzis, Founder and General Partner of the 5G Open Innovation Lab, emphasizes the Lab’s commitment to driving innovation through collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome AT&T and Comcast as founding partners to help drive our vision to bring industry experts together and, collectively, drive innovation into overlapping ecosystems. 5G and edge are new foundations that can be used to drive new business models and technology across segments and companies.”
AT&T and Comcast: Telecommunication Titans Join the Lab
AT&T and Comcast, two of the most prominent names in the global telecommunications industry, have now become integral parts of the 5G OI Lab’s journey. These companies bring their vast expertise, resources, and commitment to innovation to the Lab’s ecosystem.
AT&T, a leader in mobile, broadband, and communication services, serves both consumers and businesses worldwide, from small enterprises to Fortune 1000 companies. With a history spanning over 140 years, AT&T continues to innovate, connect people, and improve lives. Its dedication to research and development, evident through AT&T Labs, has positioned it as a global leader in communication solutions.
Jay Cary, VP of Strategic Alliances and Corporate Strategy at AT&T, highlights the importance of collaboration in innovation, saying, “Collaboration is the key to innovation. As we continue forging ahead to realize 5G’s full potential, it is important to work with the nimble startup and innovation community so we can move faster and solve real-world technology challenges more holistically and effectively for our customers. We are excited to be part of that start-up thinking with the 5G Open Innovation Lab.”
Comcast Corporation, a global media and technology giant, combines connectivity and platforms with content and experiences to reach millions of customers worldwide. Through its various subsidiaries, including Xfinity, Comcast Business, Sky, NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and more, the company provides cutting-edge broadband, wireless, video, and entertainment services. Comcast’s Universal Destinations and Experiences team also brings world-class theme parks and attractions to life for guests across the globe.
Tom Nagel, SVP of Wireless Strategy at Comcast, emphasizes the importance of engaging with the startup community to drive innovation, stating, “The cycle of innovation often begins in small companies where a new idea can challenge existing ones, and Comcast has had success taking risks and embracing these new ideas. Engaging with the startup community through our own Lift Labs or with organizations like the 5G Open Innovation Lab is an important factor not only in our own efforts but to push the industry forward in exciting new ways.”
Batch #8: A Record-Breaking Cohort
As part of its commitment to fostering innovation, the 5G Open Innovation Lab is welcoming its largest cohort to date, Batch #8. Comprising 17 multi-stage startups, this cohort represents a diverse range of enterprise solutions. These startups have collectively raised over $313 million in venture capital, highlighting the confidence of investors in their potential.
The startups joining Batch #8 come from around the globe and offer cutting-edge solutions in fields such as real-time logistics and tracking, robotics, private mobile network security, and IoT enablement. Each startup brings its unique perspective and expertise to the Lab’s ecosystem, contributing to the collaborative spirit of innovation.
Since the Lab’s inception in 2020, participating startups and alumni have raised a total of $2.088 billion in venture capital, with several successful exits valued at over $200 million. This remarkable achievement underscores the Lab’s effectiveness in nurturing and accelerating innovative startups.
Meet the Innovators of Batch #8
- Airspace: Airspace focuses on the safe deployment of drones to positively impact various industries.
- ASOCS: ASOCS provides a fully virtualized Private 5G Network solution and 5G Positioning Services for enterprises.
- Clevon: Clevon develops autonomous robot carriers for efficient last-mile delivery.
- Cumucore: Cumucore offers a light mobile core with Industry 4.0-specific features for affordable mobile private networks.
- Eridan: Eridan is building the world’s first digital sampling radio for 4G, 5G, and beyond.
- Expanso: Expanso offers a platform for distributed compute, orchestrating jobs for large-scale data processing.
- Golioth: Golioth enables easy scaling of custom IoT hardware.
- HeadSpin: HeadSpin provides testing and monitoring of mobile, web, and audio/video applications in real-time with AI-based insights.
- Intuitive Robotics: Intuitive Robotics leverages cutting-edge technologies to deliver innovative SaaS solutions across industries.
- Kallipr: Kallipr specializes in remote monitoring IoT solutions for increased operational efficiency.
- Namla: Namla Cloud provides a platform for companies to deploy and manage thousands of edges efficiently.
- Nubix: Nubix is an edge-native application platform for building, deploying, and managing IoT and edge applications.
- OneLayer: OneLayer offers zero-trust security and asset management for IoT devices connected to private cellular networks.
- Orion Labs: Orion provides edge-optimized voice collaboration for frontline workers with encrypted, secure Push-to-Talk (PTT) and more.
- Pratexo: Pratexo brings hybrid and distributed cloud computing to power systems driving the energy transition.
- Real Life Robotics: Real Life Robotics offers customizable cargo robotics platforms for labor management.
- Reelables: Reelables smart labels automate data collection in supply chain operations.
About 5G Open Innovation Lab
The 5G Open Innovation Lab is not just a physical space; it’s a global innovation ecosystem that connects multi-stage startups, enterprises, and technology platforms. This ecosystem thrives on collaboration and the development of disruptive enterprise technologies and solutions that harness the power of edge computing combined with public and private 5G networks.
In just four years, the Lab has attracted world-class corporate and industry partners and welcomed 118 multi-stage enterprise startups. These startups have collectively raised an impressive $2.088 billion in venture capital. The Lab’s unique model promotes open collaborative innovation, where corporate partners work directly
with startups to accelerate commercialization through proof of concept, go-to-market strategies, and other valuable engagements.
The 5G Open Innovation Lab is not just an organization; it’s a movement towards a brighter and more connected future. Through collaboration and innovation, the Lab is writing the next chapter in the story of connectivity and technological advancement.
For more information about the 5G Open Innovation Lab and its initiatives, please visit www.5GOILab.com.
