The R2 Network to Begin Launch of Nationwide Response & Resiliency Network
The R2 Network, with monthly launches of new features, empowers and connects first responders nationwide with technology and innovation opportunities
New York, NY | March 30, 2021 – Today, The R2 Network announced the launch of a platform that aims to provide features and resources to empower innovators and first responders in their day-to-day operations. New features will be rolled out monthly throughout 2021 and will facilitate access to life-saving technology as well as connect nationwide stakeholders with opportunities to innovate and network.
This rollout comes after almost a year of development of the R2 Network platform. In 2020, the Economic Development Administration (EDA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the FirstNet Authority funded the Accelerate R2 Network Challenge Grant. Four companies were awarded the grant: RapidSOS, Responder Corp, Orleans Parish Communication District, and Western Fire Chiefs Association. Together, with the State of New Hampshire, these partners built a nationwide platform that brings stakeholders together for a common goal: to support innovators and agencies in empowering first responders with the tools and technologies they need to stay safe and protect our communities.
The free, self-sustaining network provides resources to enable and connect innovators with public safety industry leaders and opportunities. The remainder of 2021 will highlight the launch of key features and resources, bringing to life each of the three Network pillars: R2 Portal, R2 Learn, and R2 Connect.
“Engagement during our pre-launch stage validated the importance and need of the R2 Network for the public safety community,” said Bryce Stirton, President of Responder Corp. “Today we begin delivering resources with the launch of product features that will bring public safety into the future by connecting the industry and ensuring access to mission-critical technology.”
Starting in April, users will have access to monthly feature releases, which support the network by making it easier to share new life-saving technology, identify innovation opportunities, and connect with key stakeholders in public safety through events, grants and challenges.
Feature rollouts will include:
- Product Builder: An opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase their solutions; highlight end-user testimonials; and identify matches with first responders that are looking for innovative technologies. Agencies will be empowered to find, share and engage with new life-saving technologies to fill critical gaps in their department.
- Event Resource: A one-stop-shop to find public safety industry events both large and small, whether in-person or online. Users will be able to see who from the Network is attending, engage with others about the value of each event and identify lead opportunities.
- Grant Finder: A resource for entrepreneurs and agencies to find non-diluted funding opportunities best suited for their organization.
- R2 Learn: Resources to educate entrepreneurs and public safety departments on the unique challenges and opportunities of the public safety industry. Technologists and agencies alike will be able to locate valuable educational resources and tools to learn how to better innovate and deploy these critical technologies in the field.
“Our nation’s public safety community did extraordinary work managing an unprecedented year for emergency response. We are excited to launch new features as part of the R2 Network to help entrepreneurs develop solutions that will enhance our nation’s emergency response systems.” said Michael Martin, RapidSOS’s CEO.
Chief Jeff Johnson, CEO at Western Fire Chiefs Association said, “Technology has changed public safety, but it’s not always seen as something that makes us better. The R2 network will tie innovators and first responders together to help everyone make smart decisions about what makes public safety more efficient and effective.”
“The team at OPCD is proud to be working with RapidSOS, Responder Corp, and the Western Fire Chiefs Association to help develop the R2 Network,” stated OPCD Executive Director, Tyrell Morris. “As we all know, communication and the sharing of resources has been a major factor in our efforts to combat the pandemic. The R2 Network stands as a testament to that concept, as public safety organizations and first responders will now have quick and easy access to information designed specifically to create opportunities for learning, growth and entrepreneurship.”
Interested public safety agencies and entrepreneurs can sign up at portal.r2network.com. Stay up to date with all of the upcoming announcements and features by joining the newsletter here.
About RapidSOS
In partnership with public safety, RapidSOS has created the world’s first emergency response data platform that securely links life-saving data from 350M+ connected devices directly to 911 and first responders. Through the platform, RapidSOS provides intelligent data that supports over 4,800 Emergency Communications Centers, protecting 90%+ of people in the US, across 250 million emergencies annually. Together with innovative companies certified as RapidSOS Ready, RapidSOS is supporting the nation’s heroic first responders in saving millions of lives annually. To learn more about our technology that’s protecting lives, visit www.rapidsos.com.
About Responder Corp
Responder Corp supports innovation in public safety through investment and accelerator programs. At Responder Ventures we invest in life-saving technology. At Responder Labs we partner with corporations and government agencies to deliver accelerator programs. We help build technology emergency responders and frontline workers need to keep themselves, and our communities, safe. Learn more at www.respondercorp.com
About Orleans Parish Communication District
Formed in 1982, the Orleans Parish Communication District is the PSAP for all emergency communications via 9-1-1, and non-emergency communications via 3-1-1, within Orleans Parish. The agency employs 180 individuals and provides emergency medical dispatch, emergency fire dispatch, and emergency police dispatch for the millions of annual visitors and residents of the City of New Orleans. OPCD is a member of the Association of Public Safety Communication Officials (APCO) and the National Emergency Number Association (NENA).
The Mission of OPCD is to get the Right People to the Right Place at the Right Time, Better than Anybody Else in the World. (www.OPCDLA.gov)
About the Western Fire Chiefs Association
The Western Fire Chiefs Association serves as a representative for leaders of fire-related emergency service organizations throughout the WFCA member states and the Western Pacific Islands. WFCA develops and supports those leaders in order that they may best provide for the protection of people and the environment from the occurrence and outcomes of fires and other natural, technological and human-behavior-caused emergencies. Find out more about WFCA at wfca.com
About New Hampshire Department of Safety
Public Safety interoperability advances that have taken place in New Hampshire over the past several years have provided a communications platform for next generation connectivity. FirstNet deployment in New Hampshire has created a partnership of immense collaboration as it continues to expand statewide. Interoperability expansion that is in existence today, makes New Hampshire and its Public Safety partners the most interoperable State in America. (www.nh.gov/safety/)
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