Verizon Awards $25K for AI Drone App and Unveils Storm Repair Digital Twin
VZ•Verizon awarded $25,000 to Rian Karim’s Apex Eye app for AI-driven drone video situational awareness in its inaugural Frontline App Developer Challenge. It also unveiled Digital Twin technology using 3D drone imagery and AI to accelerate post-storm network repairs and bolster infrastructure resilience.
1. Frontline App Developer Challenge Winner
Verizon hosted its first Frontline App Developer Challenge at the New York Stock Exchange, awarding a $25,000 grand prize to San Jose developer Rian Karim for Apex Eye, an AI-driven app that transforms live drone footage into real-time, role-specific ground intelligence for first responders.
2. Finalists and Innovation Program
Three finalists—including a clinical decision support tool for paramedics and a situational awareness app for incident commanders—joined Verizon’s Frontline Innovation Program, gaining mentorship and partner access to refine their public safety solutions.
3. Community Disaster Resilience Prize Showcase
The event also highlighted winners of the Community Disaster Resilience Prize, featuring FNN’s edge computing lightning sensors and Hyfi’s 5G-powered flood sensors, showcasing technologies that enhance natural disaster preparedness and response.
4. Digital Twin Network Restoration Technology
Verizon introduced Digital Twin technology that uses drone-captured 3D imagery and AI algorithms to pinpoint storm-related network damage, prioritize repairs, and reduce field inspection risks, improving restoration speed and safety.
