Climate change is no small issue and has been a hot
topic on a global scale. Cities are the cause as well as the biggest victims of
this all-encompassing issue, so why can’t they also be the biggest hope to
bring about a change?
It is with this belief that DataCity was created by
leading French innovation hub NUMA in 2015, to help cities test and implement
solutions quickly, with the potential to be replicated to other cities for
large-scale and fast impact.
An open innovation programme for smart cities based on
2 core beliefs: Data is key to identify challenges, design solutions and ensure
scalability and that change can only happen through a multi-actor co-design
approach, the programme brings together corporations, public authorities and
startups, from challenge definition to co-developing innovative solutions.
Drawing on the expertise and datasets provided by partners and with advice from
DataCity experts, start-ups test and co-develop concrete solutions to build
more sustainable, inclusive and livable cities.
The programme has been successfully implemented in
Paris and Casablanca. It is now expanding internationally through a partnership
between NUMA and C40 cities – a network of 91 of the world’s greatest cities
committed to tackling climate change. The international development of DataCity
includes 3 new cities joining the programme : Singapore with Infocomm Media
Development Authority (IMDA) and Government Technology Agency (GovTech) through
a partnership with Impact Hub Singapore, Bengaluru with the Government of
Karnataka (Ministry of Information and Technology) and Barcelona with the
support of Barcelona City Council.
Priyank Kharge, Minister for IT/BT and Tourism,
Government of Karnataka says of Bengaluru’s inititation into the DataCity
programme, “A smart city ideally should look to be citizen friendly and help
the city grow in a sustainable manner. The meaning of smart cities is not
fulfilled unless there is a greener or more eco-friendly way of doing things.”
Mark Watts, C40, Executive Director was also looking
forward to Bengaluru’s participation in the programme. “Cities in every part of
the world are seeking innovative, data-driven solution to the threat of climate
change, because they recognize the urgency of the challenges we face. Bengaluru
will provide and invaluable contribution to the DataCity project,” he says.
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