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IBM And Our City Are Teaming Up For An AI Project To Create A Resilient City

IBM and Kota Kita have announced their collaboration through the IBM Sustainability Accelerator, aimed at boosting social innovation in cities worldwide. This new project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 and will develop artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to enhance urban resilience and address specific challenges faced by urban communities.

In early 2024, IBM will open a Request for Proposal (RFP) for nonprofits and government organizations to submit technology-based projects focused on improving urban resilience. Out of over 100 applicants, Kota Kita has been selected as one of five organizations to participate in the latest IBM Sustainability Accelerator project group.

Participants were chosen based on their level of support for the communities they serve and their innovative approaches to using AI technology to build stronger cities. Each organization will receive up to $3 million in cash funding, along with technology donations and service support.

IBM and Kota Kita, a nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable, socially just, inclusive, and democratic cities, will work together to create a new AI model to identify and respond to the needs of residents in Samarinda affected by climate pressures. This model will take into account physical vulnerabilities, such as natural disasters, as well as economic and social factors, including demographic growth and access to clean water. The new model will encourage the development of resilience-building initiatives and enable the implementation of new projects to reduce local community vulnerabilities.

"Our experience working in over 20 cities across Indonesia shows that building urban resilience in the face of increasing climate pressures requires innovative solutions and inclusive collaboration. Local governments and affected communities must collaborate to drive impactful change. Technology plays a crucial role in facilitating this collaboration. Through the IBM Sustainability Accelerator, Kota Kita aims to explore how AI-based solutions can enhance participatory city planning, support data-driven climate action, and focus on community needs. Rizqa Hidayani, Program Manager for Urban Resilience at Kota Kita, expressed excitement about partnering with IBM and others to strengthen resilience in Indonesian cities and beyond.

The IBM Sustainability Accelerator is a social innovation program that leverages IBM technology, such as hybrid cloud and AI, along with a network of experts to enhance and expand initiatives by nonprofits and governments, accelerating economic impact for communities vulnerable to climate pressures.

“AI has the potential to usher in a new era of economy and innovation for communities worldwide, helping them tackle current and future challenges. We believe much of this potential lies in urban transformation that can improve people's quality of life, which is our goal with our AI technology and expertise,” said Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM Vice President and Chief Impact Officer.

IBM and Kota Kita will collaborate over two years in two phases. The first phase will kick off with IBM Garage, a proven methodology that accelerates digital transformation and delivers meaningful, measurable results. In the Development and Implementation phase, IBM experts will configure resources and technology to help participants achieve their goals, support pilot project implementation in communities, and facilitate scaling of solutions.

Tag: AI Project IBM Our City