City wins £10m Internet of Things competition
A PIONEERING project, which includes developing talking bus stops, has won a £10m Government-led technology competition.
The CityVerve Project based in Manchester, which spans healthcare, transport and community wellness, aims to test better services using the Internet of Things (IoT) technology.
As well as plans for talkative bus stops, which let bus operators know when commuters are waiting, it includes installing a and a network of sensors in parks and along commuter routes to encourage people to do more physical activity.
CityVerve comprises a partnership of industry, academia and public sector organisations. Along with Manchester City Council it includes technology giant Cisco UK, the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester Science Partnerships, BT, and several small businesses.
The Internet of Things adds sensors and data analysis to equipment like streetlamps, vehicles or home heating equipment. These ‘smart’ improvements will help deliver more personal, efficient and flexible products and services.
Digital economy minister Ed Vaizey said: “I’m delighted that the CityVerve Project is the winner of our Internet of Things Cities competition. The Project will bring real benefits to people who live and work across Manchester, one of our Northern Powerhouse cities.
“The UK’s tech sector is renowned for its creativity as well as pioneering research and development. The Manchester project will help the UK to be a world leader in the adoption of Internet of Things technologies and inspire others around the world to create smarter cities.”
Out of 22 entries involving 34 cities across the UK and with a shortlist of six finalists, the City Verve project was declared the winner.
The project is led by Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership.
Mike Blackburn, chair of the Greater Manchester LEP said: “Manchester is a city built on innovation so it is a worthy winner of this competition. From business to healthcare, information is a valuable resource. This project will enable us to better use it to enhance services, increase performance and improve efficiency.
“Science and innovation is key to Manchester’s economic future. This project will enable us to be an example for the rest of the country, showing how new technology can aid the delivery of both business growth and public services.”
