Empire State Development and the Israel Innovation Authority have launched the Smart Cities Innovation Partnership program. The program will designate up to five Smart Cities in New York State who will have the opportunity to connect with technology companies and academics in order to learn how to use emerging technologies that will improve government services and resident’s quality of life.
“Smart Cities provide the opportunity to help municipalities deliver better programs and services to residents while expanding innovative industries that use technology for social impact. I look forward to selecting New York’s Smart Cities and helping them solve their pressing local challenges while creating investment and jobs in the New York economy,” said Empire State Development acting commissioner, president, and CEO-designate, Eric Gertler.
Empire State Development (ESD) will provide up to $1M in funding and the Israel Innovation Authority will contribute up to $1M in additional funding for Israeli companies delivering projects in New York. Chosen municipalities will designate physical or virtual sites to pilot new technologies aimed at improving public services. Once the cities are selected, interested companies will be able to submit technological concepts and solutions to help them tackle their specific challenges – with a strong focus on startups in New York State and Israel. By the end of 2020, projects will be chosen for funding and will be implemented in the municipalities in 2021.
“The Israel Innovation Authority is honored to support the Israeli companies that will play an important role in improving government services and quality of life for New York residents. We appreciate the Governor’s commitment to Israel and look forward to strengthening our technological ties with New York,” stated Israel Innovation Authority CEO, Aharon Aharon.
