The new program offers cities access to $2 billion CAD in financing as well as a network of technical support.
Nokia has partnered with investment firm Smart City Capital to help foster the growth of data-rich "smart cities" throughout Canada.
The firm has made available more than $2 billion CAD ($1.5 billion USD) to cities seeking to adopt high-tech approaches to public safety and transportation, particularly autonomous vehicle technologies. The joint program also offers access to an ecosystem of companies offering funding packages, technology, communications infrastructure, architecture and engineering services, and other capacity support. It is designed as private-sector counterpart to Canada's Smart Cities Challenge, according to Nokia.
"Canada has huge smart city potential," Chris Teale writes in Smart Cities Dive, citing Alphabet's Sidewalk Labs in Toronto. And this is not Nokia's first foray into the smart city industry, he notes. The Finnish telecommunications company already offers "an Internet of Things (IoT) operations center, blockchain-based data analytics (dubbed ‘Sensing as a Service’) and a secure mobile virtual network operator (S-MVNO) for public safety agencies," per Teale.
FULL STORY: Nokia launches joint program to fund Canadian smart city projects
Five Years Later, 'Smart Cities Challenge' Promise Unfulfilled
The "Smart Cities Challenge" paid Columbus, Ohio $50 million to kick start a revolution of urban technology. The revolution never arrived, according to a recent assessment by Wired writer Aarian Marshall.
12 Technologies That Will Shape Future of Urban Planning
Experts from Forbes compiled a list of technologies they say will have the greatest impact on urban living, and several of them will have major impacts on urban planning practice.
Tech Trends for Cities and States
Smart cities technology is well behind schedule, but the technology industry hasn’t given up on new digital solutions, self-driving cars, curb management, and AI-powered systems.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie