The AT&T Foundry in Plano, Texas, is set to welcome some new faces to its innovation lab.

The operator has launched a dedicated space where business customers in vertical industries can collaborate on new network-enabled solutions, as they leverage technologies like 5G, artificial intelligence, software-defined networking, and the Internet of Things.

According to AT&T, the new space boasts all aspects of an industry environment, spanning manufacturing to distribution to retail. The innovation space will enable companies in key vertical industries like manufacturing, retail, finance, healthcare, and the public sector to bring new technologies to market faster and streamline their business network operations, AT&T says.

AT&T says the new Foundry space comes following AT&T Business aligning its sales and marketing efforts to those same vertical industries.

The integrated space also provides a look at how the operator’s digital and cybersecurity capabilities can address real-world problems.

AT&T has announced it will launch standards-based mobile 5G in 12 cities by the end of the year, and indicated it will bring 5G capabilities to the AT&T Foundry in the coming months.

The operator outlined some potential industry-focused use cases including using network slicing in a manufacturing shop floor for operational equipment efficiency; IoT connectivity to enhance healthcare; IoT-enabled smart shelving for retail; drones to retool damage assessment for insurance companies; and AI or machine learning techniques to aid situational awareness for first responders.

“The AT&T Foundry’s approach to innovating transformative, valuable technology solutions is very intentional and specific to each of our customers,” says Vishy Gopalakrishnan, VP of AT&T Ecosystem & Innovation. “We’re uniquely situated to demonstrate AT&T’s extensive suite of network and security capabilities and to harness our deep technical expertise to create integrated solutions using existing and future technologies. Through the launch of this vertical-focused space, we can more quickly and effectively work in-step with our customers to address their industry-related challenges.”

Verizon launched its first 5G incubator last year in New York City at Alley, where startups and universities have the opportunity to leverage 5G connectivity to test new solutions and use cases. Earlier this month, Verizon announced expansions to the program, with four new 5G labs opening across the country. The latest 5G labs are opening in Waltham, Mass., Palo Alto, Calif., Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.