Edinburgh extends deal with smart city tech provider to 2029

The City of Edinburgh Council and global IT company CGI have extended an existing contract to work on smart city developments together until 2029.

Both were currently on a five-year contract, but Edinburgh wanted to extend as its plans to create one of the world’s smartest capital cities are taking shape.

Part of the plans include creating a smart city operations centre to deliver artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced analytics services.

Other ‘smart city’ systems include intelligent traffic signals, smart streetlights that can control their own luminosity, street bins that can signal when they’re full and smart sensors in Council homes to predict, manage and prevent damage to properties such as damp.

The council said extended the contract will provide stability for its IT services and it estimates the partnership will help save £12 million and future proof its operations.

The partnership extension follows Edinburgh being listed as Smart City of Year in the Digital 100 shortlist following recent work by the council, CGI and other providers to enhance connectivity and embrace new technologies. 

Depute council leader Cammy Day is the City of Edinburgh Council’s Smart Cities lead.

He said: “Becoming a smart city will make Edinburgh a more sustainable and fair city so I'm pleased we've secured CGI's long-term support to help us with our vision.

“We're already well on our way to transforming the way we deliver many council services, making them much more efficient and easy to use for residents.”