UCL, Intel and Imperial poised to establish Institute for Sustainable Connected Cities
18 January 2012
UCL, Imperial College London and Intel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aim of establishing an Institute for Sustainable Connected Cities.
The Institute established by the signing, which took place at 10 Downing Street, aims to explore new technologies and how such technologies can be used for enhancing the sustainability of cities and their inhabitants' quality of life.
The collaborating institutions, who together offer uniquely broad and deep expertise spanning technology, user experience, business model innovation, the built environment, and commerce, will conduct world-leading research that draws on these areas. It is expected that details of individual projects will be confirmed in the first half of 2012.
Professor Stephen Caddick, UCL Vice-Provost (Enterprise) said, "I am
delighted that UCL has been able to work with Imperial College and Intel
to create this ground-breaking new Institute for Sustainable Connected
Cities.
"The partnership combines the research strengths of two
world leading universities with the outstanding research and innovation
strengths of a world class corporation. It is an exciting model for
partnership working and demonstrates our commitment to collaboration in
research and enterprise."
This announcement couples two of our top universities with the one of the world's leading Information Technology companies
Rt Hon David Willetts
David Willetts, Minister of State for Universities and Science,
commented: "This agreement is a clear signal that the UK is a great place for
high-tech research and that our significant investment in e-infrastructure will
drive growth and innovation. It brings together leaders from the academic and
business worlds and, using London as a test bed, will provide exciting new
commercial opportunities to find technological solutions to everyday problems."
Intel CTO Justin Rattner said: "The collective goal is to establish a new, open, collaborative research institute focused on understanding and enhancing the sustainability of cities and their inhabitants' quality of life. Intel and the two universities are already hard at work defining a robust research agenda including plans to engage the communities in and around London in defining the future of sustainable city life."
Edward Astle, Pro Rector Enterprise at Imperial College London added: "This new Institute reflects exactly the kind of industry/academic collaboration which will be required for future success."
Image: Garry Knight/Flickr
Links:
UCL Enterprise
UCL Business Partnerships
Intel
Imperial College London