100 smart cities: Think tanks to converge for IIT-B initiative

IIT Bombay Alumni Association is looking to collaborate with the government to assist in providing solutions for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship programme of creating 100 smart cities.
The association has conceptualised a platform 'Global Business Forum' (GBF) under which it will bring all the stakeholders in the realty industry under one roof to discuss the issues related to the sector, during a seminar to be held between October 16 to 18 this year.
Through GBF, representatives from national and international businesses, trade delegations, academia and governments will be able to link directly with latest innovations in technology, explore collaborations and seal partnerships through a single platform.

"As per reports, the smart cities programme can create business opportunities to the tune of USD 30-40 billion for the IT sector over the next 5-10 years. We will ensure that the ideas formulated, technologies used and policies framed are realistic and that all elements are considered at an implementable scale," Ronita Bardhan, professor at IIT Bombay, told reporters here today.
This will ensure that the discussion is not theoretical, but practical and realistic, she said.
The review committee, which includes an independent group of experts, would look at innovation proposals from the IIT Bombay community, specifically in the area of smart green buildings, mobility, water, solid waste, power, governance and healthcare.