Smarter research, smarter cities
Academics from across Imperial's Faculty of Engineering and The Business School are to investigate how digital technologies can boost the capabilities of the energy, health, transport and utility resources in our cities, so that they can run as effectively as possible. Through the Digital City Exchange Programme, funded by the Research Councils UK, this unique collaboration of academics intend to better the use and planning of cities by collecting appropriate data and conducting analysis at a systemic level.
Professor David Gann, Head of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Group, Imperial College Business School said: "This investment is greatly welcome. It gives clear recognition of the expertise in the digital economy that we hold here at Imperial College London, and will allow the opportunities we have identified to combine data across different sectors to come to fruition."
By jointly considering transport, energy, water and waste rather than resolving each resource problem on its own, Imperial academics expect that city operators can better manage peak demand across sectors, conserve resources, stabilise prices and create capacity for city businesses to grow.
The Digital City Exchange programme provides the opportunity to re-think an integrated city infrastructure, make cities more pleasant and efficient to live in and inspire a new generation of apps.
“A simple example would be allowing you to see how full a train is before you get there” said Professor Eric Yeatman, Deputy Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London. “When data from many sources are combined, more sophisticated apps will emerge in energy saving, security, health, and many other areas."
The programme brings together academics from the Departments of Chemical Engineering and Chemical Technology, Civil Engineering, Computing, Electrical and Electronic Engineering and the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Group at Imperial College Business School.
To find out how your business could benefit from innovative approaches taken by Imperial College academics, please contact us. You can read on about the Digital City Exchange programme by visiting Imperial College news.