Today Nordic and Balitc technology startups are being invited to apply to a new challenge competition launched today, aimed at identifying innovative digital solutions to urban challenges that have become more urgent as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
The Nordic Smart City Challenge is open to innovators developing solutions that will help to support local authorities to build the liveable and sustainable cities citizens will need now and in the future. Selected startups will be invited to pitch their solutions in front of a panel of experts and investors at a live online event in February. The deadline for applications is 5th February 2021.
With city governments’ adjusting to the impact of COVID on citizen behaviour, a renewed focus has emerged on creating liveable environments that promote healthy living, activity and sustainability in planning the future of cities and creating new solutions to the challenges of the cities. The Nordic Smart City Challenge is aimed at identifying digital solutions that make the best use of available data to secure this outcome.
The three challenges are:
- Enabling a healthier city lifestyle
- Creating and monitoring urban areas
- Reimagining transport, moblity, and flow in the city
Kim Spiegelberg Stelzer, Chairman of the Board of the Nordic Smart City Network, said: “The Smart City Network is really excited to launch applications to the Nordic Smart City Challenge. Across the 20 cities we represent, we encourage startups to take part in this fantastic initiative to help solve key challenges such as urban planning, data literacy and transportation.”
Svein Berg, Director of Nordic Innovation said: “The Launch of the Nordic Smart City Challenge is of particularly importance at a time when digital solutions are needed more than ever to help build liveable and sustainable cities.”
Kiann Stenkjær Hein, Managing Director at PUBLIC Denmark said: “PUBLIC is excited to launch the Nordic Smart City Challenge. The initiative is the first important step in creating a joint Nordic GovTech market that will hugely benefit all Nordic tech companies.”
The Nordic Smart City Challenge is collaborating with the Nordic Fund Event, run by Nordic Edge, as part of the Nordic Smart City Startup Days on 18th and 19th February 2021. In addition to mentoring from key individuals in the Nordic Smart City Network, winning startups will also be fast-tracked to the Nordic Edge Fund Event on the 19th February.
For more information, visit www.nordicbaltic.tech/challenge or contact PUBLIC’s Communications team via email: press@public.io