The Smarter Cities Challenge 2013

The IBM Smarter Cities Challenge is a $50 million (€38 million) initiative which funds engagements by IBM experts to study and make detailed recommendations to selected cities on important urban issues.

The programme, which began in 2011 and runs for three years, has already completed ‘challenge engagements’ in 45 cities worldwide, on topics ranging from fuel poverty and public safety to transport and economic development.

Each city participating in the challenge receives a team of 5-6 IBM experts for a three week period. They produce a strategic roadmap to deal with a challenge identified by the city leaders. Following a number of stakeholder consultations in the city, the team delivers a set of recommendations drawing upon IBM’s technical expertise, strategic insight and the engagements carried out in the city.

So far, eight out of the ten winning challenges so far in Europe have been awarded to EUROCITIES members (Birmingham, Dortmund, Eindhoven, Glasgow, Helsinki, Katowice, Nice and Malaga).

Experts from IBM helped Glasgow city council to address the widespread issues of fuel poverty, with the resulting recommendations leading to the city subsidising energy bills for some of its elderly residents. For an idea of what your city could achieve in collaboration with the IBM team, a short video clip of Glasgow’s experience is available here.

Cities wishing to join the challenge can apply by 7 September 2012 for the next round. Please visit the Smarter Cities Challenge website for more details and to apply.

Apply now for the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge 2013 for a chance to gain expertise and advice on making your city smarter.