Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. today hosts industry leaders and executives, ecosystem members, and city officials at the third annual Qualcomm Smart Cities Accelerate event, showcasing continued momentum of the Qualcomm® Smart Cities Accelerator Program and presenting informative insights into the rapidly evolving digital transformation and global landscape of smart cities, connected spaces and experiences.
“Qualcomm Technologies creates smart solutions that accelerate the future and digitally transform virtually all industries. We are committed to collaborating with ecosystem members, cities and municipalities to support critical infrastructure with smart solutions to pave the way for global innovation,” said Jeff Lorbeck, senior vice president and general manager, connected smart systems, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Qualcomm Technologies’ IoT Ecosystem
What began in April 2019 as the Qualcomm Smart Cities Accelerator Program has progressed into a global ecosystem – consisting of 400+ members including system integrators, hardware and software providers, cloud solution providers, design and manufacturing companies, and more – united with the goal of delivering smart end-to-end solutions for modern cities, spaces and enterprises. This ecosystem is proliferating the digitization of industries globally by enabling IoT-as-a-Service (IoTaaS) through the Qualcomm® IoT Services Suite, helping to enrich lives through the accelerated transformation of critical infrastructure and services.
Annual Event Sessions
The global pandemic has brought digital transformation to center stage, where technology is disrupting industries and driving a wave of innovation. It has emphasized now more than ever that technology is critical to help close the digital divide and increase equity in communities. This year’s Smart Cities Accelerate event opens with a live keynote panel including Cristiano Amon, President and CEO, Qualcomm Incorporated, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, co-founder, JLC Infrastructure, and Jim Reynolds, co-founder, JLC Infrastructure, on how digital transformation is fueling modern cities, spaces and experiences, and why Qualcomm Technologies, JLC Infrastructure and IGNITE Cities have come together to help drive transformational initiatives in cities and industries around the world.
The keynote is followed by a panel from leading city mayors including – Mayor Tishaura Jones, City of St. Louis, Mayor Sam Liccardo, City of San Jose, Mayor Francis X. Suarez, City of Miami – coming together to discuss their visions for smart cities, the technologies needed for post-pandemic communities, closing the digital divide, and working together with companies like Qualcomm Technologies for successful planning and execution.
Ecosystem Quotes:
City of San Jose, California
“Now more than ever, seamless and accessible connection to the internet for work, school, and social interaction is essential to the inclusion of everyone in the growing digital community,” said Mayor Sam Liccardo, City of San José. “As we improve our connectivity, we can continue to close the digital divide, making access to opportunity more equitable to all San Joséans.”
City of St. Louis, Missouri
“The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear just how critical smart, connected spaces are to our cities, and the role these technologies will play in transforming our critical city infrastructure and services,” said Mayor Tishaura Jones, City of St. Louis, Missouri. “Through the Smart Cities Accelerator Program, Qualcomm Technologies and IGNITE CITIES are enabling St. Louis and other cities around the country to work together to create future-proof solutions that serve our communities for years to come.”
City of Miami, Florida
“Connectivity is essential for providing equal opportunities to learn, work and live moving forward,” said Mayor Francis X. Suarez, City of Miami, Florida. “The ability to innovate and digitally transform our city is no small feat, and our continued partnerships with Qualcomm Technologies and IGNITE CITIES are key in helping reimagine how we safely, securely and successfully provide technology resources to our communities across Miami.”
IGNITE CITIES
“Qualcomm’s commitment to supporting cities provides the required technical framework and bandwidth to lead critical smart city projects globally. We are proud of our collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies and JLC Infrastructure and we look forward to an exciting upcoming year of deployments, collaborations and implementations across the U.S.,” said George Burciaga, managing director and chief executive officer, IGNITE CITIES.
JLC Infrastructure
“We are proud to collaborate with Qualcomm Technologies and IGNITE Cities to bring critical infrastructure to nationwide cities where technology availability and accessibility plays a crucial role. We are committed to supporting efforts that bring inclusion and digital equity to support education and help close the digital divide.” said Earvin Johnson, co-founder, JLC Infrastructure
JLC Infrastructure
“Our collaboration with IGNITE CITIES, Qualcomm Technologies and its network of accelerator partners, presents impactful opportunities to transform the quality of life across cities. We look forward to expanding our partners and investments across new projects,” said Jim Reynolds, co-founder, JLC Infrastructure.
