In the interview with Vincent Hock, Founder and CEO

In a fire, every second counts. But what happens when emergency responders don’t know the layout of a building—or where vulnerable people might be—at the decisive moment? It was this dramatic real-life scenario that inspired Vincent Hock and Leo Mergel to create an idea that is now making headlines across Germany: HomeResQ, the world’s first system to provide emergency services with critical building data digitally and in real time.

Vincent Hock, founder and managing director of the award-winning startup, shares the story behind HomeResQ in an exclusive interview—an innovation born from an emergency response that now saves lives in private homes, businesses, and public facilities. Whether floor plans, notes on non-mobile individuals, animals, or potential hazards, HomeResQ delivers the critical information emergency teams need in seconds—securely, encrypted, and fully GDPR-compliant.

Following coverage in Tagesschau, NDR, and numerous trade media, HomeResQ has now joined the Silicon Valley Europe innovation platform. We couldn’t pass up the chance to hear directly from the man behind the idea.

What drives him? What vision does he have for Germany—and how can every property owner help make rescue operations more efficient and safer? We’ll also explore how cities, municipalities, and the mayors responsible for them can do more to protect their citizens.

In this exciting interview with Vincent Hock, we discuss courage, responsibility, and digitalization in emergency response—and show just how innovative and capable ideas and digitalization can be in Germany.

👉 “When every second counts, no time should be lost searching.” – Vincent Hock

Silicon Valley Europe: Mr. Hock, HomeResQ emerged from a real fire response. How did that pivotal moment change your thinking?

Vincent Hock: The trigger was an operation that my co-founder Leo Mergel experienced as a firefighter. During a residential fire, a person was only found at the very last moment. The emergency services had no information about the floor plan or the number of occupants. This situation left a deep impression on us, and we knew: this must never happen again. We asked ourselves why there is more information available for everything else than for a rescue operation. That was the starting point for HomeResQ.

Silicon Valley Europe: How did you develop the idea for a digital system from this experience, and what were the first steps of implementation?

Vincent Hock: We immediately started talking to emergency services after the incident to better understand their perspective. Then we developed a system that centrally and digitally provides all relevant building data, easily accessible via a QR code on the building. In the meantime, this has evolved into a comprehensive platform that is constantly being further developed. We have been developing HomeResQ for over seven years with a lot of passion, practical relevance, and in constant exchange with fire departments.

Silicon Valley Europe: In the meantime, media such as Die Höhle der Löwen and Tagesschau have reported on HomeResQ. How did you handle this rapid attention?

Vincent Hock: The response overwhelmed us. We were featured in Tagesschau, NDR, trade media, and most recently on Die Höhle der Löwen. This attention helps us bring the topics of safety and digitalization to the center of society. At the same time, we take our responsibility very seriously and invest a lot of energy in the further development of the system, in training emergency services, and in cooperations with municipalities and organizations.

Silicon Valley Europe: What specifically distinguishes HomeResQ from classic systems or existing security solutions?

Vincent Hock: HomeResQ is not a static information sheet but a dynamic system that provides critical information in seconds when needed. Whether it's floor plans, details about people with limited mobility, animals, or hazards, everything is stored encrypted, always up-to-date, and immediately accessible. The fire department only needs a mobile device and scans the QR code on the outside of the building. It's simple, robust, and practical.

Silicon Valley Europe: In an emergency, firefighters often have no overview of what awaits them behind the front door. How does HomeResQ change this reality?

Vincent Hock: Instead of relying on assumptions, response teams using HomeResQ immediately know what to expect. What rooms are there, where do children sleep, are there pets, gas cylinders, or basement apartments. This information can save lives, make operations safer, and help deploy resources efficiently. The goal is to save time—every second often decides between life and death.

Silicon Valley Europe: Data protection is a central issue, especially with sensitive building data. How do you ensure that your customers' data is secure?

Vincent Hock: Data protection has always been one of our top priorities. All data is stored encrypted in compliance with GDPR on servers in Germany. Access is granted via a randomly generated numerical code that only authorized emergency responders can use in the system. For third parties, this code is completely useless. The data always belongs to the user. There is no sharing with third parties.

Silicon Valley Europe: Your system is based on QR codes on buildings. How do emergency responders react to this digital support, and how does the training work?

Vincent Hock: Acceptance among fire departments is very high, especially because the system is free, extremely simple and quick to use. The QR code is attached to the outside of the building, can be scanned with any mobile device, and provides all the information within seconds. We offer webinars, instructions, and free access for fire departments so that every emergency responder can familiarize themselves with the system in advance. We also regularly collaborate with fire departments to further improve HomeResQ.

Silicon Valley Europe: You speak of a vision of a comprehensively prepared Germany. How far away do you think we are from achieving that?

Vincent Hock: We are on the right track. HomeResQ is already being used in several federal states by private households, businesses, and public institutions. But to ensure every home is prepared, we still need a lot of awareness-raising, support from local authorities, and, above all, the courage to embrace new approaches. Our vision is that no emergency response should ever begin blindly.

Silicon Valley Europe: Local authorities play a key role in the digitalization of security infrastructure. How have you experienced collaboration with cities and municipalities so far?

Vincent Hock: Many cities and municipalities show great interest, especially when they see concrete pilot projects. At the same time, there are often hurdles due to lengthy decision-making processes or unclear responsibilities. That’s why we focus on low-threshold offerings, partnerships, and demonstrate with successful examples how easy implementation can be, even with minimal effort.

Silicon Valley Europe: Many mayors want to make their municipalities safer and more modern. How can HomeResQ specifically support them?

Vincent Hock: With HomeResQ, municipalities can set a clear example of modern, citizen-focused security. We offer flexible licenses for entire streets or districts, provide informational materials for citizens, and work with fire departments to ensure local integration. We focus on simple processes and low barriers to entry—all completely free of charge for the municipalities.

Silicon Valley Europe: Often, it is mayors who decide whether a pilot project gets off the ground or not. Which arguments are particularly convincing to decision-makers?

Vincent Hock: That it’s about saving lives. HomeResQ is not pie in the sky—it’s an immediately deployable solution that combines safety, digitalization, and proximity to citizens. Particularly convincing are the successful projects where the system is already working with minimal effort but great impact.

Silicon Valley Europe: What role can municipal communication channels like town hall meetings, official gazettes, or city apps play in anchoring the system within the population?

Vincent Hock: A central one. Where municipalities actively inform their citizens, participation is significantly higher. Whether through flyers, city festivals, the official website, or push notifications in city apps—every form of communication helps reduce fears and build trust.

Silicon Valley Europe: How do you view the responsibility of municipalities to proactively inform citizens about digital rescue systems like HomeResQ?

Vincent Hock: Municipalities are responsible for the safety of their residents. If there’s a way to enhance that safety with simple means, they should inform and educate people about it. We support municipalities in this task with concrete materials and ready-made concepts.

Silicon Valley Europe: If you were standing in front of a mayor right now, what would your appeal be in one sentence?

Vincent Hock: Use your responsibility to make a decision today that could save lives in an emergency.

Silicon Valley Europe: Finally asked, if you had to explain in one sentence what HomeResQ is, what would you say?

Vincent Hock: HomeResQ is the digital rescue system that shows emergency services in seconds how a building is structured, who is inside, and what is crucial for the rescue, thereby making every operation safer.

Silicon Valley Europe: Thank you very much for the explanations on this important topic.