Microsoft and Intel will collaborate on a Houston business program designed to bolster companies creating sensors and robotics to ease big-city problems, such as transportation and disaster response.

The Ion Smart Cities Accelerator, a partnership of the two tech giants along with startup hub Station Houston and the collaborative manufacturing workspace TXRX Labs, will start its programming on Aug. 1. It will provide six months of structured curriculum and six months of pilot programs, which will allow the companies developing internet of things applications to test their products in real-life situations.

The program will initally launch in the same building as Station Houston and then move to the Ion, the former Sears building that will anchor the Midtown innovation district, after it opens by late 2020.

“Relative to smart cities implementations, which are complex, I think this one is unique in that Mayor (Sylvester) Turner and the city have their arms around exactly what it’s going to take to be successful,” said Rodney Clark, vice president of Microsoft’s internet of things sales.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Mayor, Microsoft join forces for latest tech push in Houston

Microsoft has pledged to invest $5 billion globally into the internet of things, which provides internet connectivity to appliances, meters and other everyday devices for collecting, analyzing and sharing data. Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform and internet of things services power and connect devices such as sensors, cameras and street lights.

Smart cities technology in Houston could stop commuters from accidentally driving into flooded underpasses by alerting drivers of high waters. It could also detect when people with limited mobility are waiting at a crosswalk, providing them additional time to reach the other side.

The latter would help a pedestrian safety initiative that Turner announced last week following the deaths of a man in a wheelchair and the woman who stopped to help him. They were hit by a vehicle while crossing the street.

“Where you can utilize technology to delay the time sequence, to provide more time,” Turner said, “is a very real example and can enhance our Safe Streets initiative.”

The Ion Smart Cities Accelerator will rent 7,000 to 10,000 square feet of office space at 1301 Fannin, the same building in which Station Houston is located. TXRX Labs, which provides consulting, equipment and education for activities that include 3D printing and IoT hardware development, is building a prototyping lab at 1301 Fannin and will work with the Ion architect, Shop Architects, to build another lab at the Midtown innovation district.

The Ion Smart Cities Accelerator curriculum is designed for companies advanced beyond one person and an idea. The first group will have at least 10 companies from across the country. Applications will be accepted starting June 1.

Microsoft and Intel are helping develop the curriculum, finance the accelerator program and identify problems for the startups to solve. Their financial commitment to the accelerator program was not disclosed.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Venture fills gaps in connecting Houston's tech startups and big energy players

After completing the first six months of the program, the companies will get pilot programs.

“They get to pilot their smart cities applications - it could be hardware, it could be software, it could be both - in the fourth largest city in the United States,” said Station Houston CEO Gaby Rowe, “which creates a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for startups.”

One local pilot program using Microsoft technology in an internet of things product is already underway. BeSafe Technologies, of Raleigh, N.C. is creating a digital map of Stovall Middle and Aldine High schools, with details including doors and which way they swing, where utilities can be shut off and if the building has any hazardous materials. These maps would aid first responders in an emergency.

The company’s ActiveShield product incorporates cameras, sensors and other devices into this digital map. BeSafe Technologies is working with Tempe, Ariz.-based Insight Enterprises to integrate these cameras and sensors. The pilot program is expected to later add a live video feed providing first responders a real-time look inside the schools, panic buttons for teachers to press if they feel threatened and a mobile app on which teachers and first responders can communicate, said BeSafe Technologies CEO Kevin Harrington.

Selina Chapa, deputy superintendent for the Aldine Independent School District, called the pilot program “a wonderful opportunity for the district to ensure our students are safe.”