Despite the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing economic uncertainty, new startups are founded every day. To introduce you to 5 recently founded startups, we analyzed 1.386 smart city startups in total. All of them develop innovative solutions spanning from traffic and management to cybersecurity and smart infrastructure.
The 5 promising smart city startups you should watch in 2021 were hand-picked based on our data-driven startup scouting approach, taking into account factors such as location, founding year, and relevance of technology, among others. The 1.386 companies that were analyzed for this report are identified using the StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, covering 1.379.000+ startups & scaleups globally. When you are looking for up-to-date smart city solutions for your innovation units, R&D, or product development department, the StartUs Insights Discovery Platform gives you the most exhaustive collection and ensures you continuously discover new startups, scaleups, and technologies.
Global Startup Heat Map: 5 Smart City Startups to Watch in 2021
The Global Startup Heat Map below highlights 5 smart city startups developing technology-driven solutions. Moreover, you can explore global hotspots for smart city startups and even download this graphic to include in your next presentation.
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NATIX offers an AI-based Crowd Density Mapping Solution
One of the crucial levers in maintaining public safety is crowd management. The adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and real-time camera feedback allows city officials to easily map and manage crowd densities. Mapping crowd densities provides insights into areas that attract the most crowds which, in turn, helps make these areas safer. Startups are developing crowd mapping solutions that improve city operations and the welfare of the people.
German startup NATIX offers live camera-based people counting analytics and reporting tools for smart cities. The startup’s crowd density mapping solution enables local governments to improve their crowd management strategies. Further, such strategies allow city officials to make the right decision in critical scenarios that concern public safety.
Parkpilot creates a Smart Parking System
Generally, people manually look for parking spots and keep driving around until they do. This causes harm to the environment in terms of carbon emissions while also frustrates the drivers. Smart parking systems provide instant access to available parking slots, thereby reducing congestion and improving convenience. That is why startups develop smart parking solutions, eliminating the waiting time for parking tickets and improving the overall quality of life in smart cities.
Turkish startup Parkpilot creates a smart parking system that enables users to instantly view the occupancy of parking lots. Moreover, the application leverages deep learning algorithms to provide users with smart tips that save fuel costs for users. The solution is integrable with existing CCTV cameras and, thus, requires low setup costs.
Hayden AI develops a Traffic Safety Data Platform
Connected and flexible transportation networks reduce the stress on the traffic management systems in place. There has been an upsurge in traffic data due to the adoption of IoT sensors, providing a valuable source for improving traffic safety and efficiency. Using this real-time data, startups develop platform solutions that employ analytics to improve overall traffic safety in smart cities.
The US-based startup Hayden AI develops an AI-powered data platform for smart city safety. The platform leverages artificial intelligence to identify patterns and anomalies in the streets, thereby aiming to fully eliminate traffic fatalities. Moreover, the platform receives data from a growing number of city fleet vehicles including transit vehicles, school buses, garbage trucks, and police vehicles. This further enriches the data and makes the system more accurate.
Enlightyx develops a Smart City App for Residents
A quick way to familiarize yourself with the surrounding area is to use smartphone applications that provide a basic layout of the area with a list of businesses and other public venues. Geotagging and geo-mapping technologies present an opportunity for businesses to promote their products and services. Making the most of these technologies, smart city solutions offer a variety of information about the city for the benefit of residents and businesses.
Malaysian startup Enlightyx develops the MELAKA, a smart city app. The startup’s application is integrable with smart management systems and acts as a platform that collates city information and services. Additionally, the startup offers cloud-connected smart CCTV and security solutions that are quick and easy to install.
RoadSense provides Smart Road Infrastructure
While significant time, effort, and resources go into building road infrastructure in a city, the outcome is often less than optimal. This is where smart roads that integrate sensor-based solutions with existing road infrastructure come in. Smart roads enable data-driven improvements in driver safety that, in turn, lead to an increase in connected infrastructure. For example, poor visibility is one of the major reasons for road accidents. Smart sensors in the road, however, provide the necessary warnings to the driver to alert them of any danger ahead.
Israeli startup RoadSense develops IoT sensors that convert ordinary roads into smart roads without repaving. The startup’s sensors run on patented energy generation technology and are affordable to install. The sensors act as road studs and gather data on traffic patterns, type of vehicles, count of vehicles, and irregular driving behavior while also recognizing many types of hazards such as potholes. The startup also provides an application programming interface (API). It embeds the collected data into existing road control systems to improve safety and urban planning efforts.
How will technology impact your city?
To stay ahead of the technology curve, it is important that you know which technologies and industry trends will impact your city in 2021. You can explore one of our free Industry Innovation Reports or let us do the work for you. To keep you up-to-date on the latest technology and emerging solutions, we provide you with actionable innovation intelligence – quickly and exhaustively.
