Georgia Tech’s Georgia Smart Communities Challenge recently announced its 2019 grant recipients. Each community will receive $50,000 to develop a pilot project centered on mobility, equity, and smart resilience – along with technical assistance from researchers at the university and networking opportunities.
The winners are:
- Columbus Smart Uptown – the project seeks to improve safety and security, transportation systems, and connectivity in the uptown district through the installation of Internet-of-Things devices to provide public WiFi and the integration of data into management;
- Macon Smart Neighborhoods – the project will address under-served areas of the community by installing smart kiosks that will provide internet connectivity and on-demand services;
- Milton Smarter Safer Routes to School – the project seeks to promote walking and biking to school by creating a network of programmed devices – such as smartphones – to connect students and parents and arrange supervised groups, designate safe primary routes, and provide wait times for students; and,
- Woodstock Smart Master Plan and Corridor Study – the project will conduct a smart corridor and infrastructure study to improve mobility and congestion in the city and deal with rapid growth and uneven commuting patterns.
“Georgia Tech is very proud to have played a leadership role in the Georgia Smart program, which we believe will improve the quality of life in the participating communities and also provide models for other communities throughout Georgia to consider as they strive to make life better for their citizens,” said Georgia Tech President G.P. “Bud” Peterson.
This is the second round of Georgia Smart Communities Challenge, and work will continue on the 2018 projects as the grant ends in September 2019 – when the 2019 projects are launched.
“We are proud of the work and accomplishments the first class of Georgia Smart has already achieved and know most will continue their research partnership in year 2. We are also looking forward to bringing a new class in and expanding the portfolio of smart applications for community and economic development.,” said Debra Lam, managing director of smart cities and inclusive innovation at Georgia Tech. “Most importantly, though, we remain committed to all communities in Georgia and will continue to provide programming and opportunities for them as they develop their own smart future.”
