EMERGE 2016: DHS Accelerates Wearable Tech for First Responders

The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate has selected ten start‑ups for EMERGE 2016: Wearable Technology, an accelerator that unites innovators, accelerators, and strategic partners in a focused R&D effort. The program runs in partnership with TechNexus and its partner CIT.

Police, fire, and emergency services rely on body‑worn electronics, advanced sensors, and integrated voice‑and‑data communication built into their gear. Hands‑free wearables can merge multiple technologies, reduce equipment load, and enhance response effectiveness.

See also: U.S. research into smart shirts for emergency responder

"This is an important step for science and technology to tap into the innovation ecosystem," said DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology Dr. Reginald Brothers. "We need to find technologies for first responders that can be integrated directly into their existing gear. The entrepreneurial world is on the leading edge of those inventive solutions."

Through the program, the selected start‑ups will gain access to first responder feedback, industry partners, investors, and business‑development resources from mentors across the business world. These resources will support early market validation, test and evaluation opportunities, and help chart a path to bring their technologies to a variety of markets, including government sector partners.

The chosen start‑ups are:

HAAS Alert

HAAS Alert offers a connected and autonomous V2V mobile platform that delivers preemptive warnings to drivers, motorcyclists, and bicyclists when emergency vehicles approach. Using acoustic sensors and location data, the platform connects people, vehicles, and things in cities, streamlining disaster and emergency notifications to keep communities safe.

Augmate

Augmate has built a provisioning and management platform for wearable devices that helps IT departments track users, monitor battery status, and control approved applications. With locational beacon technology, the system is already successful in manufacturing and mining and can enhance emergency service operations.

Command Wear

Command Wear’s software integrates with first responders’ existing smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets to provide personnel tracking, two‑way text communication, and video sharing. Geo‑fencing alerts users when they enter hazard zones or exit assigned areas, and all interactions are recorded for post‑incident review.

Lumenus

Lumenus creates smart clothing that uses LED lighting and connectivity to enhance visibility. A recent Kickstarter launched jackets, a vest, and a backpack that incorporate GPS and an app for cyclist safety, providing real‑time route adjustments to avoid hazards.

Six15 Technologies

Specializing in rugged, high‑resolution head‑mounted displays (HMDs) and custom optoelectronic modules, Six15 Technologies develops AR glasses platforms used in public safety, security, and first‑responder contexts, with proven success in mining and manufacturing.

Vault RMS

According to a 2015 NIOSH study, firefighters face up to 2.3× the cancer risk of the average U.S. worker. Vault RMS responds with a software platform that aggregates biometric and situational data from wearables to build long‑term health profiles, track exposure to fire and carcinogens, and supply documentation for medical needs—improving safety and productivity.

EMERGE will conclude with pilot and path‑to‑market opportunities for first responders, corporate partners, and investors later this year. It offers a unique window into how wearables can have life‑saving impact in emergency operations.