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With 85.3 out of 100 possible points, Munich is in second place in the Bitkom Smart City IndexThe digital association evaluates five different areas in its index, each of which includes numerous data points. In addition to the digitization of administration and IT and communications infrastructure, these include energy and the environment, mobility, and society. With one exception, the state capital ranks among the top 10 in all areas. Only in energy and the environment does it only reach 12th place.
To get a closer look at the "Smart City" concept, we take a closer look at the Bitkom study and what it assesses, starting at minute 01:35. We also present a second Smart City Index, which was compiled by Rudolf Giffinger et al. 2007 at the Vienna University of Technology. It shows that Smart City can also be defined more broadly and, for example, include the economy and quality of life of a city.
Planning tools and sensors for smart cities
The startups we present in this episode also show what a smart city can ultimately achieve. Plan4Better (from minute 5:45), for example, is developing cloud-based planning software that uses a digital twin to help urban planners assess the impact of changes in the cityscape on traffic. The startup's goal is to enable the so-called 15-minute city. In this way, all everyday destinations should be reachable by bike or on foot within a quarter of an hour.
CM1 is developing smart IoT construction site safety. By equipping construction site lights with DGNSS receivers and acceleration sensors, the startup aims to be able to determine their position in real time with an accuracy of 10 centimeters. Starting at minute 9:00, we explain how navigation systems, cities, and even autonomous vehicles can benefit from the solution.
Also relies on sensors Treesense (from minute 11:20), but with entirely different goals. The startup has developed a sensor designed to facilitate the care of urban trees. It measures a tree's water balance and thus determines whether the tree needs water. If so, an algorithm calculates the most efficient route to water as many affected trees as possible in one trip.
Urban Scale Timber (from minute 15:25) has finally come up with a smart solution for the construction sector. After all, this sector is responsible for around 38 percent of global CO2 emissions. The Munich-based startup wants to change this by enabling urban planners to work with materials other than concrete and steel—namely, wood. With its tool for timber construction-specific feasibility studies, Urban Scale Timber provides project developers with the relevant expertise. The startup thus supports scaling, improving, and accelerating timber construction projects.
The investor Ananda Impact Ventures
With Ananda Impact Ventures At the end of this episode (starting at minute 18:20), we look at an investor who prioritizes social and ecological concerns. Founded in 2009, the VC now manages around 200 million euros. It plans to invest this in startups in the fields of healthcare, education, sustainability and climate protection, as well as inclusive and peaceful societies.
