Venture Smarter, The City of Cincinnati, and Cintrifuse are presenting the second Smart Cincy Summit on April 26, 2018 at Union Hall focusing on the Internet of Transportation.
“Last year’s summit was a catalyzing event about what we wanted to do in the region,” said Venture Smarter founder Zack Huhn. “This year we’re shining a light on some projects that are actually in the works.”
A free public preview of the summit takes place April 25 followed by a VIP dinner event.
“We want everyone to feel like they are a part of these conversations and set the tone of the summit with a community roundtable,” said Huhn. “It’s an opportunity to learn what’s happening in the smart cities arena, and for residents to make suggestions based on what they are experiencing.”
The keynote speakers and other panelists will be announced in mid-March, including elected and public officials at the city, state and federal level as well as representatives from academia and the private sector. In addition to addressing the four pillars of smart cities – connectivity, mobility, security, and sustainability – presentations will highlight transit.
“We need to focus on smart and connected infrastructure, as well as the vehicles that operate on it,” said Huhn. “Smart traffic signals can improve flow and congestion. Autonomous vehicles could connect transit centers to parking. But we can only achieve connected and autonomous transit if we have a solid foundation.”
Smart cities technologies are also an opportunity to improve service delivery, quality of life for residents, and the visitor experience by addressing systemic urban challenges.
“When we look at problems facing Cincinnati and the region – pedestrian safety, air quality, poverty – there are technologies available that can offer solutions,” says Huhn. “The foundational pieces are in place, but we need to come together and craft a cohesive vision for the city and region.”
Since the 2017 summit, over a dozen pilot projects are underway and progress reports will be shared, including a Cincinnati Public Schools partnership to end the digital divide. The City of Cincinnati will give an update on the planned downtown fiber ring to improve traffic signals and provide free WiFi.
Smart Cincy Summit tickets are available, and organizers hope elected officials and civil servants, educators from K-12 as well as universities, business and industry representatives, along with residents and community groups will attend.
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