New platform to support smart city solutions in Cambridge

A new Intelligent City Platform (iCP) in Cambridge will gather real-time data from sensors across the city to support a wide range of smart solutions, including a project to make the local transport systems more reliable and easier to use.

The platform was developed by the Greater Cambridge City Deal’s Smart Cambridge programme together with the University of Cambridge. The first phase of the iCP was launched last week.

A new low-power, long-range network has also been set up with the university to transfer data flowing from the sensors to a data hub, so that it can be analysed and visualised to plan smart solutions.

At the same time, through the government-funded IoTUK Boost programme, tech-based small and medium sized businesses in the Cambridge area are being encouraged to find real-world Internet of Things (IoT) solutions to existing challenges in the region.

According to Connecting Cambridgeshire, the iCP is among the first to collate real-time data, which will allow citizens, third party developers and commercial partners to ‘test bed’ innovative applications including a new mobile travel app which will be available from this summer.

The MotionMap travel app will draw on real-time data to more accurately predict bus times, to help improve people’s journeys and encourage them to use more sustainable methods of transport.

Welcoming the iCP’s launch, Councillor Francis Burkitt, vice chair of the Greater Cambridge City Deal executive board, said:

“We have a unique opportunity to harness the brainpower and business might of Greater Cambridge to find innovative solutions to challenges faced by our region, and indeed all growing cities. That’s why taking a collaborative approach is the best way forward for Smart Cambridge and could lead the way forward for other smart cities.”

The Smart Cambridge programme was recently allocated £1.6m by the Greater Cambridge City Deal for the next three years, as part of its investment plans to improve the transport infrastructure and promote economic growth in and around the city.

Sign up to our newsletter

Meet our experts