The 5G Open Innovation Lab (5G OI Lab), EDGE Cluster, Washington Maritime Blue, and the City of Tacoma, in collaboration with a coalition of partners, introduced a groundbreaking 5G Private Network at Tacoma Tideflats. This pilot project, supporting five enterprise clients including TOTE Maritime Alaska, Silverback Marine, Trident Seafoods, SAFE Boats International, and Motive Power Marine, exemplifies the transformative potential of a 5G innovation ecosystem for business modernization.
Ports serve as vital economic hubs for coastal regions globally, and maintaining a competitive edge is crucial. Washington State’s commitment to a ‘Blue Economy’ strategy, as outlined by Joshua Berger, President, and CEO of Washington Maritime Blue, aims to foster a thriving and sustainable maritime industry through 2050 and beyond.
In a significant move, the 5G Open Innovation Lab (5G OI Lab), EDGE Cluster, Washington Maritime Blue, and the City of Tacoma, in collaboration with key partners, have introduced a pioneering 5G Private Network at Tacoma Tideflats. This pilot project initially extends network coverage to five enterprise clients by utilizing existing infrastructure, including floodlights and utility poles, to optimize cost and effort. The initial phase focuses on the East Blair Peninsula, where the client operations are based. Scott Waller, CTO of the 5G Open Innovation Lab, led the design and implementation process, collaborating with partners such as Comcast, Dell Technologies, VMware by Broadcom, Intel, Expeto, Ericsson, and others.
Waller emphasized, ‘Our goal from day one was to build an enterprise-ready private 5G network that’s extensible. The current network meets the needs of our existing enterprise clients and is designed for future expansion across the Tacoma Tideflats.’
Jim Brisimitzis, CEO, and General Partner of 5G OI Lab, added, ‘Networks are enabling platforms to solve enterprise problems. Together with our partners and alumni, we intend to demonstrate the true potential of private connectivity, edge computing, and applications as enablers to modernize enterprises in the Tideflats and beyond.’
The Tacoma Tideflats 5G Network Feasibility Study, jointly developed by the 5G OI Lab, Washington Maritime Blue, Avanade, City of Tacoma, Washington Department of Commerce, Business Finland, Impact Washington, and Tacoma Power, was published in January 2022. This study identified use cases and critical investment areas crucial for Tideflats businesses. The announced network received funding through the Washington State Department of Commerce Evergreen Manufacturing Growth Grant, awarded in June 2023. This investment will support initiatives from the study, including orchestration and efficiency improvements, infrastructure modernization, safety enhancements, and fostering a sustainable future in the Tideflats.
Berger highlighted, ‘Our collective goal is to enhance data sharing across the ecosystem, benefitting sectors like trucking, rails, ships, and the environment. Providing access to a private network for innovators and startups amplifies Tacoma Tideflats as a prime region in North America for tech development and high-wage job opportunities.’
Jeff Robinson, Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Tacoma, praised the collaborative spirit, stating, ‘Collaboration and innovation are prominent characteristics of Tacoma, and this project is the latest example. We are delighted to support our existing businesses and welcome entrepreneurs who will leverage the network to solve challenges and build the businesses of tomorrow.’
Deanna Keller, Port of Tacoma Commissioner, expressed excitement about the innovative strides in technology, saying, ‘It is exciting to see this type of innovation and new ideas being implemented in the Tideflats. Adoption of strategic innovations in technology can be a catalyst for business success.’
Jim Brisimitzis concluded, ‘It is amazing to see our vision for a connected port ecosystem at Tacoma Tideflats come to life. This is a tremendous real-world industry showcase of the true potential for 5G connectivity.
About Washington Maritime Blue
Washington Maritime Blue is a non-profit, strategic alliance formed to accelerate innovation and sustainability in support of an inclusive blue economy. With a mission to implement Washington State’s Strategy for the Blue Economy delivered by Governor Jay Inslee’s Maritime Innovation Advisory Council, we are a partnership between industry, the public sector, research & training institutions and community organizations. Maritime Bluework works to create a world-class, thriving, equitable and sustainable maritime and ocean industry through knowledge sharing, joint innovation, entrepreneurship, commercialization, business and workforce development. Learn more at https://maritimeblue.org/
About 5G Open Innovation Lab
The 5G Open Innovation Lab is a global innovation ecosystem that brings together multi-stage startups, enterprise and global technology platforms and investors to connect and collaborate on developing disruptive new enterprise technologies and solutions that capitalize on the power of edge computing connected to public and private 5G networks.
In just 4 years, the Lab has attracted a roster of world-class corporate and industry partners as well as 118 multi-stage enterprise startups who have collectively raised $2.088B of venture capital. Through 5G OI Lab’s unique model of open collaborative innovation, corporate partners work directly with ecosystem startups to accelerate commercialization through proof of concept, go-to-market, and other engagements and opportunities.