Verizon Wireless announced today that it has entered into a multi-year research partnership with the Georgia Institute of Technology. The objective of the agreement is to foster development of new technology solutions in multiple categories within the Internet of Things (IoT), including telematics, wearables, and LTE network enhancements.

"The wireless industry relies on constant innovation. Verizon's technology platforms, including 4G LTE, enable this innovation, allowing us to take wireless technology out of the phone and integrate it into new areas such as transportation, healthcare, green energy, education, wearable computing, and much more," said Jonathan LeCompte, president – Georgia/Alabama Region, Verizon Wireless. "Our partnership with Georgia Tech's world-class research and development and exceptional students will prove to be a critical component in the advancement of new wireless solutions for the 'Internet of Things' era."

As a first step in the partnership, Verizon is supporting the university's spring 2015 Convergence Innovation Competition (CIC), an annual event produced by GT-RNOC and the Institute for People and Technology (IPaT). The CIC is a student competition designed to provide multiple assets and support to students to drive innovations and advancements in mobility. CIC winners go on to commercialization, other competitions, as well as internship and job opportunities. Winners of the 2014 CIC were highlighted during the People and Technology Forum event on campus earlier today. The event featured Jeff Leddy, chief executive officer, Verizon Telematics, as a keynote speaker.

"The students, staff and faculty at Georgia Tech have always been committed to impacting change in the world," said Ron Hutchins, CTO at Georgia Tech. "The continued support of industry leaders like Verizon Wireless is essential to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration leading to breakthroughs in industry and academia."