With over 254 participating companies from 30 different countries, competition for the 2011 Living Labs Global Awards was bound to be fierce. Eight global cities were looking for innovative technologies to solve urban challenges in fields such as transport, health care, sustainability, social services and tourism.
The winning companies in each category would have the opportunity to pilot their projects in the respective city.
Smart Light Systems (M) Ltd, a Maltese company, not only competed but was the only company to be shortlisted on two different proposals and was awarded most points on “innovation”, “ability to execute” and “environmental impact”.
This achievement saw it awarded a Shortlist Living Labs seal in recognition of its innovative solutions.
The City of Eindhoven in the Netherlands was looking for ground-breaking lighting solutions for a dedicated new district that would be sustainable, functional, aesthetic and above all interactive.
“Our proposed solution for Eindhoven’s needs was actually based on a pilot project that we have already implemented in Malta last March.
“We have installed pedestrian crossing signs using LED technology in Attard.
“These make the signs both more visible and more interactive,” explained Smart Light Systems managing director, Jonathan Borg.
Bur rather than install simple LED signs, Smart Light Systems added sustainability and environmental benefits by having them powered by solar energy.
This allows the sign to be installed anywhere, quickly, easily and far more cost effectively than regular illuminated signs.
“We were extremely proud to see our solution place second among all the international competitors in this category,” Mr Borg said.
Smart Light Systems also achieved a fourth place rating for its proposals for intelligent transport solutions for Stockholm in Sweden.
The city was looking for customer-oriented traveller services to support shifts in mobility patterns away from cars, and towards public transport, biking and walking.
“Our solution combined intelligent traffic management systems with unique aesthetics to complement the high-end street furniture normally found in developed areas.
We offered LED traffic lights that operated in conjunction with a series of LED-equipped bollards,” Mr Borg stated.