US carrier Verizon has joined with UK digital accelerator Digital Catapult to develop 5G solutions for retail. The pair will make use of Verizon’s new 5G Lab in London, opened in February, to offer startups a production house to test their 5G based innovations.
Companies will be able to use Verizon’s 5G and edge computing capabilities at the site to develop prototypes over the next seven months, as the enterprise 5G accelerator programme runs its course. Digital Catapult wants to foster new 5G-based digital innovation that solves “real-world business challenges”, it said.
Verizon 5G Lab in London is the company’s first 5G-enabled facility outside the United States. The facility offers a live 5G environment where organisations can develop and test 5G applications. The venue is currently showcasing the role of 5G in augmented shopping, virtual events, smart retail shelving, intelligent asset management, and workspace ‘reimagining’ using augmented reality (AR).
Verizon’s on-site production studio, which includes state-of-the-art 3D design capabilities like volumetric capture, motion capture, affording startups the ability to produce high-end AR and VR retail experiences.
Digital Catapult will provide retail partners participating in the accelerator programme with access to leaders in the UK startup and innovator community.
Christian Guirnalda, director of 5G labs and innovation centres at Verizon, said: “Next-gen digital channels, remote experiences, immersive content at home and on the go – these are new ways to better serve customers, all unlocked by 5G. By pairing startups and creators with brands and providing access to a 5G environment and tools, we will support the local entrepreneurial community and continue to accelerate the 5G ecosystem.”
Geraldina Iraheta, director of business development at Digital Catapult, said: “This accelerator is an incredible opportunity to bring 5G to life, proving its potential in real-world environments and revolutionising the retail experience for consumers. We’re excited to be working with Verizon to showcase the future of retail in this way.”
