16 innovative small businesses have been awarded funding of €200k in total to solve smart city solutions across the Dublin region.
As part of the New Small Business Innovation Research Competition, each company received phase 1 funding of circa €12,500k.
Jamie Cudden, Smart City Programme Manager of Dublin City Council commented:
“We are delighted with the quality and diversity of solutions proposed by the companies with a diverse mix of skillsets includes data analysts, engineers and software developers.
“The solutions proposed include the testing of drones and the building of low cost smart camera solutions to deter illegal dumping.
“A number of companies are also exploring the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to support the local authorities in solving these challenges.”
The businesses have unitl the end of 2017 to demonstrate the viability of their solution, with a number of phase 2 contracts worth €25k-€50k each, being awarded to prototype the solutions in the city.
Backed by Smart Dublin and Enterprise Ireland, this innovation programme aims to support entrepreneurs in solving city challenges related to illegal dumping, gully monitoring and wayfinding (in partnership with The Grangegorman Development Agency).
Maria Gavin of Enterprise Ireland said:
“Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) is recognised internationally as a proven approach that works for both public bodies and companies. It facilitates SMEs with early stage ideas to access public sector procurement opportunities.
“I commend Smart Dublin for expanding their programme to take in 3 challenges and 16 new companies. This new fund has the potential to create in-demand technologies and innovations which can be adopted quickly to make positive and significant societal impacts.”
