DoD launches MD5 National Security Technology Accelerator to address disaster relief challenges

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) recently launched the MD5 National Security Technology Accelerator to create solutions for humanitarian issues and natural disaster relief challenges.

The MD5 program was launched by a public-private partnership between the DoD, New York University, Columbia University, West Virginia University, University of Southern Mississippi, General Electric, One Defense Bunker Labs and the Partnership for New York City.

The MD5 brings together top technology experts, academics, military personnel and civilian first responders to address three core challenges related to disaster relief, including logistics and planning, real time communications and response efforts.

“While the Department of Defense maintains an unparalleled commitment to inventing the future, we do not have a monopoly on innovation or sufficient resources to apply and scale all of the great technology that we produce,” Adam Jay Harrison, director of the MD5 program, said. “Our mission is to develop the people and human-centered networks necessary to compete and win in the rapidly changing technology and national security environments.”

The program will last for three days and will challenge participants to develop prototype products and solutions for disaster-related incidents. Participants will incorporate a range of technologies including augmented reality, sensor fusion, crowdsourcing, data analytics, robotics, wearables, autonomy and artificial intelligence.