UCL, Intel and Imperial to establish Institute for Sustainable Connected Cities

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.”

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.”