The address will focus on Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego’s vision for Phoenix as a “living lab” where innovation and technology take flight, powering our shared future and blending seamlessly with the natural environment of the Sonoran Desert.  Phoenix has become a hot bed for innovation and investment since becoming home to America’s largest foreign direct investment of $165 Billion by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company – TSMC.  We are also bridging advanced chip manufacturing with the future for healthcare with Arizona State University’s new medical school focused on leveraging a.i. to advance health solutions.  Phoenix is the world’s largest autonomous vehicle zone with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport becoming the first in the world to offer driverless, autonomous service to and from the airport and Amazon selected Phoenix to begin drone-delivery service.  The International Vertical Flight Society, which focuses on the future of air taxis, is studying the success of Waymo’s rollout to inform its future. Phoenix is one of only three cities in the Americas to achieve Platinum-level What Works Cities certification for the strategic use of data and evidence in its operations – powering innovation and Smart City initiatives. Phoenix also fast-tracked an AI wastewater monitoring pilot, enabling us to be nimble in our mission to protect our precious water supply from contamination and continue to lead as a sustainable desert city.  Phoenix was named an IDC Smart Cities North America Award winner in the Public Health category for a data-informed network of smart, sustainable chilled drinking water and bottle-filling stations in active transportation areas of the city.  And Phoenix has partnered with more than 700 residents, academics, startups, and students to solve the city’s biggest challenges at a series of Innovate Phoenix Challenge hackathons at Venture Café Phoenix. 

Phoenix's Challenge: Pathways to Health, Community Connections and Economic Opportunities

Concept: Advance the existing digital twin created by city partner organizations (Downtown Phoenix Inc. and Arizona State University), or develop a new twin through another technology platform, to identify optimal, digital shaded pathways (existing shade and optimal locations for future shade –connecting “cool corridors”) throughout the city that will come to life through implementation in the physical world – connecting to public transportation, bicycle pathways, rideshares, canal systems, etc.

Additional: Utilizing data sets, existing real-time data (through partners like google), sensor technologies in the streetscape, etc., the digital twin will empower City leadership teams to identify current shade and determine the optimal areas for additional shade (manufactured and natural), where people are biking, walking, using public transportation and ridesharing apps, as well how best to position shade installations for optimal outcomes, and/or mechanical shade to move with the sun. The project will connect “cool corridors” throughout the city, which include access to chilled water and bicycle service hubs.

User Experience: Residents and visitors will have access to a virtual map, with directional options (voice, digital maps, prompts, etc.), with accessibility features, to guide them through shaded areas of the city and access to amenities including chilled water.

Companies pitching for solutions:
Sim Analytica
Future Insight
Citynomadi
 

Let's meet all the winners of the IMAGINE Citiverse Challenge 2025.