Smart Cities Innovation Challenge names finalists

Choosing among 500+ international submissions, the first Smart Cities Innovation Challenge has invited 18 finalists to present "technology solutions for urban sustainability and resilience" at next month's Defense Energy Summit & Innovation Showcase in Austin TX. The honorees include three European firms and 15 U.S. companies, among them Intel Corp., Virtual Technology LLC, and Burnham Works' newest member, the digit group.

"We are very proud to be chosen as a finalist candidate," says Paul Doherty, president and CEO of Colliersville TN-based digit group. "Showcasing our 3D urban platform, Orbi, will be an exciting opportunity to show the world how powerful the visualization of urban data can be."

As defined by the sponsors, 'Smart Cities' represent the global vanguard communities addressing the growing resiliency pressures of climate, energy, water, food and mobility. The first-ever Challenge brings together vetted solutions to accelerate smart and sustainable development of urban communities world-wide. Co-located with the Defense Energy Summit, the 'Challenge' leverages the U.S. Department of Defense innovation needs and funding programs with parallel needs of the modern smart city.

At Austin's AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center, a committee of global development partners --including municipal, investment and corporate leaders-- will hear presentations from the finalists on suggested technology solutions for a gamut of urban challenges. Categories include: