The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is sponsoring an idea-generating InnoPrize Program competition to facilitate innovative solutions that can help track first responders while they are inside of a structure without having to set up towers or other devices.
The development of sensors and communications able to perform well across a variety of environments is one of the biggest challenges in first responder indoor tracking. Real-time, robust indoor tracking solutions are sought that are personalized, modular and scalable as well as employ current and emerging technologies, sensors, and techniques.
“Indoor tracking is a critical need for first responders,” said DHS Deputy Under Secretary for Science and Technology, and former firefighter and emergency manager, Dr. Robert Griffin. “When a firefighter runs into a burning building or when law enforcement raids a warehouse, incident commanders need to maintain situational awareness of the locations of team members.”
Winning solutions will receive a first place award of $20,000 and a second place award of $5,000.
The public is invited to submit ideas by April 2, 2015. Ideas may be selected by DHS for development and operational use.
