The opportunities presented by technology are endless. When used in a way that is sustainable and that respects privacy, technological applications can help improve quality of life. This is why the City of Antwerp has joined the European SynchroniCity project.

What is SynchroniCity?

SynchroniCity is a project for smart cities that are looking for IoT solutions to improve urban life. For the City of Antwerp, the focus is on two areas: mobility and the environment. Furthermore, there is a wild card available for an innovative project that does not fall into either of these two areas.

By 2030, greater Antwerp wants to have achieved a 50/50 modal split. This means that at least half of all journeys have to be made using a sustainable mode of transport.  To make this happen, solutions are needed that support a modal shift, time shift, or mental shift. Aside from that, the city wants to become a model ‘ecocity’ that is entirely carbon neutral by 2050. Any solution that can help Antwerp achieve carbon neutrality and adjustments, improve air quality, boost the circular economy, and streamline waste management will be eligible to enter.

Besides the City of Antwerp, various other European cities, such as Carouge, Eindhoven, Helsinki, Manchester, Milan, Porto, and Santander, have also joined this project as partners, actively engaging their residents and local stakeholders in experiments with new data platforms.

Open Call

On 31 May, Antwerp will launch the Open Call for SynchroniCity. This call is directed at startups and SMEs operating in the IoT domain who have tried-and-tested IoT solutions, technologies, and prototypes. SynchroniCity has EUR3,000,000 available for pilot projects. SMEs may qualify for financing of up to 80% of the total project budget (up to EUR100,000/SME or up to EUR300,000/consortium of SMEs). The trial period will start in early 2019 and last 6 months.

More information

For more information about the project and the City of Antwerp’s ambitions, visit the SynchroniCity website. Meanwhile, subscribe to their newsletter to keep up to date with the latest news about the project.

Mark the date of 31 May in your diary now, because we will be expecting you from 5.30 pm at Generaal Armstrongweg 1 in Antwerp.