In its first European IoT outreach, SoftBank – a Japanese company which focuses on developing IoT business opportunities – will be partnering with the City of Dublin, Ireland to implement the next generation of IoT solutions to address the needs and challenges of Dublin and other cities. Dublin was chosen for this collaboration by SoftBank due to its open approach to smart city development developed through the Smart Dublin program.
“The development of an innovative IoT platform is a key strategy for SoftBank and we are delighted to collaborate with Dublin, with its unique smart city test bed, supported by a cluster of technology companies and an open and collaborative approach from Dublin City Council.” said Hidebumi Kitahara, vice president global business strategy division. “We want to deploy technologies that can make the lives of citizens and companies easier and more productive in a variety of ways.”
The collaboration will focus on solving city challenges and building new solutions and services in areas such as transport and movement; environment, disaster prevention and mitigation; and, safety and security. Softbank will be working with the Dublin City Council, (DCC) along with the Connect center for future networks based in Trinity College Dublin. ‘Smart Docklands’ is DCC’s smart city test bed and has potential as a smart city district.
“Our Smart City Program has gone from strength to strength with many of the world’s leading companies now collaborating with Dublin to deliver technologies that can transform city life. SoftBank has a great vision for the city of the future and we are proud to be the first city outside Japan to work with them to deliver solutions for our citizens and those across the globe” stated Owen Keegan, chief executive, Dublin City Council.
