In a major step forward for energy resilience and tactical edge communications, Khasm Labs, an innovation platform helping startups and enterprises build, test, and deploy next-gen technologies at the edge, and New Use Energy Solutions (NUE), a trusted leader in rugged, portable solar and battery systems, are proud to announce a strategic partnership to deliver quick and easy to deploy off-grid 5G solutions.

The partnership follows a successful field test during a recent military exercise. During the exercise, KEEN — powered by NUE’s portable energy packs — demonstrated real-time data transmission and resilient 5G connectivity without reliance on grid infrastructure. This proof-of-performance validated the joint solution’s capability to support mission-critical communications in even the most remote environments.

The collaboration combines Khasm Labs’ KEEN (Khasm Enterprise Edge Network) — the nation’s first of its kind fully off-grid private 5G network — with NUE’s rugged, portable battery and power systems designed for high-mobility missions. Together, the integrated solution ensures secure, high-performance connectivity in austere or remote environments where traditional power and communication infrastructure are unavailable or compromised.

“This is more than a technology partnership — it’s a mission-aligned collaboration,” said Jim Brisimitzis, Founder and General Partner at Khasm Labs. “Together with New Use Energy, we’re delivering a field-proven system that brings real-time connectivity and power to where it's needed most — whether it’s the battlefield, a wildfire response zone, or a remote industrial site.”

“We don’t just each build technology. Together we build tools that can help save lives or complete a mission,” added Paul Shmotolokha, CEO of New Use Energy. “With deep roots in disaster response and three years experience powering communications and electronic warfare with the Ukrainian military, we saw a natural partnership to enable Khasm Lab’s portable communications solutions to deploy faster, communicate clearly, and focus on protecting people — not just surviving the moment. We have learned a lot of lessons these last years and one of them is the need for stealthy battery based power with a clean waveform to effectively run communications equipment.”

The partnership was initiated through the Crucible NavalX Challenge, where both teams aligned around a shared vision: enabling mobility, speed, and survivability for defense, disaster response, and critical infrastructure operators.

Real-World Impact: Improving Safety and Saving Lives

In crisis moments — from natural disasters and wildfires to frontline deployments — the ability to communicate in real time can mean the difference between life and death. Traditional infrastructure often fails when it's needed most, leaving responders in the dark and communities vulnerable.

The KEEN + NUE solution was built with these realities in mind. By combining advanced wireless networks with mobile, renewable power, the system can be rapidly deployed in disaster zones, remote regions, or conflict areas to enable faster response, better coordination, and safer outcomes. Whether helping firefighters detect flare-ups, connecting medics in the field, or restoring power and communications after a hurricane, this solution helps those at the edge stay connected — and protected.

“As a retired first responder, I’ve seen how limited connectivity can slow down help when seconds matter,” said Scott Waller, CTO of Khasm Labs. “This solution ensures that frontline teams never have to operate in silence. We’re delivering something that doesn’t just work — it saves lives.”

As two homegrown companies based in the greater Seattle region, Khasm Labs and New Use Energy are deeply committed to supporting both national security missions and community resilience. This new partnership lays the foundation for expanded commercial and public-sector deployments — from remote energy sites and emergency response operations to the next generation of smart infrastructure.

About Khasm Labs

Khasm Labs is a global innovation ecosystem bringing together multi-stage startups, enterprises, global technology platforms and investors to connect and collaborate on developing disruptive new technologies and bridging the chasm between startup innovation and enterprise adoption.

Since 2019, the Lab has attracted world-class corporate and industry partners and 146 multi-stage enterprise startups, collectively raising $3.338B of venture capital. The Lab employs a model of open collaborative innovation, where corporate partners work directly with ecosystem startups to accelerate commercialization through proof of concept, go-to-market, and other engagements and opportunities.

About New Use Energy Solutions

NUE leads the development and distribution of proprietary, state-of-the-art, ruggedized mobile solar generator systems that adapt to a diverse set of the most demanding commercial and industrial applications, delivering clean, renewable power wherever it is needed.

For more information about the KEEN + NUE bundled solution, or to inquire about partnership opportunities, visit www.newuseenergy.com.

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