The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) is calling on forward-thinking companies to use Cambridge as a dynamic testbed to support changing the way we travel.
The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) is calling on forward-thinking companies to use Cambridge as a dynamic testbed to support changing the way we travel.
Through the launch of the Innovation Prospectus, innovators have the opportunity to collaborate with the GCP on pioneering projects to help shape the way we travel and improve daily journeys across Greater Cambridge.
Recognised as a world-leading centre for research, innovation, and technology, Cambridge offers a unique ecosystem bringing together bright minds, thriving commerce, and substantial investment opportunities. With Europe's largest technology cluster of knowledge-intensive firms in the area, the GCP wants to harness the skills and passion for innovation to address the region's transport challenges head-on.
Innovators with ideas that can make moving around Cambridge easier, help travellers to use sustainable transport and assist the GCP in contributing to reach Net Zero are being asked to get in touch. This could include better ways to manage the transport network, encouraging behaviour change or new modes of transport.
Dan Clarke, GCP's Head of Innovation, emphasising the uniqueness of this opportunity, said:
"Cambridge is a hub of innovation, and we want forward-thinking researchers and companies to work with us to try out their cutting-edge ideas that could help tackle the challenges we face and improve the lives of people who live and work here.
“Companies we’ve previously worked with have gone on to have enormous success based on the information they gained by working with us and trialling their ideas using Cambridge as a test bed for technology.
“This call for collaboration invites researchers and companies to use Cambridge as a testing ground for their projects or to co-develop trials with the partnership. Through these joint efforts, the GCP aims to redefine the delivery of transport solutions and pave the way for progress.
“Attracting new investment through the launch of our innovation prospectus will build on the projects delivered through GCP’s Smart workstream and will further cement the city region’s place at the forefront of technology and research.”
Previous collaborations between the GCP and private companies have yielded tremendous success. Participants have gained invaluable insights through trials conducted in Cambridge, leading to significant achievements.
By attracting new investments, the GCP intends to build upon the achievements of its Smart workstream, solidifying Greater Cambridge's position as a leader in technology and research.
Through its Smart workstream, the GCP has already facilitated pioneering technology and research. Notably, Cambridge is one of the first places in the UK to test autonomous vehicles as part of the public transport network.
Project Connector, a ground-breaking initiative secured with £8.7 million in government funding, will trial self-driving shuttles on the roads of the West Cambridge Campus and Cambridge Biomedical Campus from 2024. These shuttles will offer on-demand services to employees and visitors, revolutionising transportation in the region.
In addition, the GCP has partnered with VivaCity to deploy Smart Junction technology, an AI-based signal control system that optimizes traffic flow by adapting to changing conditions. This system has successfully managed vehicle congestion and significantly benefited active travel. Collaborating with Starling Technologies, the GCP is helping to develop sensors that detect cyclists and pedestrians waiting to cross busy junctions, to help reduce the waiting times for all users, improve safety and to keep the flow of traffic moving.
For more information and to download the Innovation Prospectus, visit the Greater Cambridge Partnership website https://www.greatercambridge.org.uk/smart-technology-innovation/innovation-prospectus.
Innovators and tech firms interested in collaborating with the GCP are invited to submit their proposals to the Smart team via email at Smart.Cambridge@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.
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