• H2020
• Industrial Leadership
• ICT

Leading ICT innovators from across Europe have participated in the smart cities final of EIT Digital’s Idea Challenge.

Ten emerging digital technology start-ups gathered for the ceremony that took place at City Hall, London, earlier this week. Products being showcased by finalists include an app that keeps users safe as you walk home in the dark, a website that lets fans decide where concerts take place and a travel guide that uses augmented reality.

The Idea Challenge aims to identify and support the continent’s best digital start-ups, especially those focused on fast growth in the EU and worldwide. Overall, EIT Digital aims to find 24 innovative European start-ups in eight different fields and help them succeed in world markets.

Dennis Moynihan, London node director for EIT Digital, said: “We’re eager to identify and accelerate the best digital innovation in London, the UK, and across Europe – and the Idea Challenge is just one way we’re making this a reality. Together with our partners from the Smart London Board, we’re focused on creating real entrepreneurial opportunities to make cities ‘smarter’, keeping London at the forefront of global digital innovation.”

Three smart city competition winners will be chosen by an expert jury and will receive a package of support, including a cash prize of up to €40,000, mentoring support, workspace, and access to buyer networks across the EU and beyond.

Winners will also be able to take part in EIT Digital’s unique ecosystem, an international innovation network that includes global companies, world-leading universities and research institutes, and cutting-edge innovators.

There were over 100 applications for the smart cities category.