Verizon 5G Immersive Retail Accelerator

This unique opportunity will provide startups and scaleups the chance to work with Verizon and Digital Catapult as we develop the next generation of immersive and 5G retail experiences. The programme is split into three unique challenges set by retail brand partners Burberry, Diageo and L’Oreal.

Verizon has joined forces with Digital Catapult, the UK authority on advanced digital technology, and leading industry partners to launch an immersive retail accelerator programme that will develop innovative 5G solutions for enterprises.

The first of its kind, the programme will explore how 5G-enabled solutions can solve real-world retail challenges for Burberry, Diageo and L’Oreal UK/Ireland. The Programme will combine Verizon’s 5G capabilities in Verizon’s London 5G Lab and production studio with support from Digital Catapult to develop proof of concepts culminating in an industry facing showcase.

Please use the links below to read in detail and apply for each challenge:

• Burberry challenge: Using 5G to enhance customer’s brand and shopping experiences
• Diageo challenge. Applying 5G to reach consumers brand and product discovery through frictionless in store experiences
• L’Oreal challenge: How might L’Oreal use 5G, and the technologies it enables to enhance the product user journey whilst creating new customer engagement opportunities

The Verizon 5G Immersive Retail Accelerator is seeking out startups and scaleups who rise to the challenge of our retail partners.

We are looking for creative, retail-focused innovations that create new customer engagements, immersive experience, and/or other ground breaking new opportunities.

Why get involved

In addition to working with two leading organisations and one of three retail brand partners across the 5G and startup innovation community this opportunity will offer:

A unique opportunity for startups and scaleups to:

• Utilise cutting edge 5G technologies in collaboration with Verizon’s London 5G Lab
• Work hand-in hand with Verizon at their 5G testbed and studio where innovators can test their solutions
• Develop, test and/or iterate around volumetric capture applications
• Access cascade funding for developing proof of concepts that demonstrate retail solutions for industry challenges

As part of this challenge, successful startups will:

• Work with key industry players who are focused on how 5G can enable their innovation strategy
• Develop 5G products and services based on real industry challenges
• Utilise funding to build a proof of concept with Verizon to demonstrate value for its customers using 5G technologies
• Collaborate directly with Digital Catapult’s 5G team composed of world-leading 5G technologists
• Showcase their 5G prototype with support from Verizon and Digital Catapult at the end of the programmes

Who should apply?

This open call is for startups and scaleups who:

• Currently work within the retail, immersive or customer experience space
• Are interested in or are already developing new cutting-edge 5G technology solutions and applications
• Can present concepts around the in-store, out of store experience, digital product visualisation and virtual events (eg. fashion shows and product showcases) are of specific interest
• Have appropriate technical team experience and the necessary skills required for their proposed project. Startups and scaleups will nominate someone with a technical background who will be interacting with a 5G technologist throughout the programme
• Have a commitment to demonstrate the 5G element of the experience to the public. Companies are committed to showcasing their work at a showcase event at the end of the programme

Areas of advanced digital technology application and solutions include (but are not limited):

• 5G applications
• Immersive technologies, including augmented and virtual reality and haptics
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions for customer experience in the retail industry

The selection criteria each applicant will be assessed on the following:

• Relevance to chosen challenge
• Technical feasibility
• 5G applicability
• Expertise and commitment
• Scalability: growth potential
• Novelty and innovation

There are three unique challenges for this open call – for Burberry, Diageo and L’Oreal

Please use the links below to read in detail and apply for each challenge:

• Burberry challenge: Using 5G to enhance customer’s brand and shopping experiences
• Diageo challenge. Applying 5G to reach consumers brand and product discovery through frictionless in store experiences
• L’Oreal challenge: How might L’Oreal use 5G, and the technologies it enables to enhance the product user journey whilst creating new customer engagement opportunities

Please register your interest using the form below. Once registered you will receive an email containing a link to the full application form, which you must complete and submit before the deadline.
 

Important information

To help you with your application and before submitting the form, please make sure that you have read the following information for applicants:

• Verizon terms and conditions
• Digital Catapult competition terms
• Verizon FAQs