You can submit your application starting on Friday 27th April by following this link. Use this to request access to a full application. The full application must be submitted no later than Monday 28th May 2018 at midnight AEST. We’re looking for local government organisations, state and territory agencies and departments that are ready to apply smart technologies and data solutions to improve community liveability, workability, sustainability, and resilience.
What benefits will winners receive?
The Smart Cities Council Australia New Zealand will host an intensive two-day smart cities readiness incubator with the winning organisations. Delegates will join industry leaders to participate in informative presentations, hands on masterclasses and mobile workshops with government leaders, private sector and academic experts and other key stakeholders. SCCANZ
What are the eligibility requirements for applicants?
1) There must be a single lead applicant for each application. This lead applicant may be any local, state or territory government entity including a city, region, town, state, territory, or similar entity.
2) The applicant must be within the Australia/New Zealand region.
3) Additional government entities can support the lead applicant.
4) Any one government entity can only participate in a single application.
5) Applicants must demonstrate commitment by including a cover letter from their chief executive (e.g. mayor, minister or equivalent).
6) Applicants must agree to the Smart City Principles espoused by the Smart Cities Council, which call for an inclusive, equitable, “people-first” approach and a commitment to community liveability, workability, sustainability, and resilience.
7) Applicants must agree to allow the Council to publish high-level summaries of their event on the Council’s website.
8) Applicants must send a minimum of five (5) organisational representatives who have decision-making and budget-setting level responsibilities within their organisation.
Do I need to pay to participate?
No. However, each team will need to cover its own travel and accommodation related costs. Standard meals will be provided throughout the two-day incubator.
How long will the application take to complete?
The application is designed to be completed within about 24-32 hours of effort. The application is also carefully structured to provide knowledge resources relating to application questions. The process of completing the application will enhance your existing efforts.
What do you need to know about my smart city efforts?
1) Applicants must demonstrate capacity by briefly listing existing smart city projects, plans, policies and leadership efforts.
2) Applicants must designate three theme areas that represent their priorities and discuss challenges and opportunities in these areas.
3) Applicants must address how they will use smart technologies and data solutions to help vulnerable or marginalised people or neighbourhoods.
Who decides on finalists and winners?
The selection committee will include Smart Cities Council staff, Partners and Advisory Board members. The committee includes smart cities experts with expertise covering a wide range of key government responsibility areas.
What are the criteria for a successful application?
Applications are judged on the basis of 100 available points. The Smart Cities Capacity area includes 10 questions worth 4 points each for a total of 40 points. Each applicant must also choose three key government responsibility areas, each of which is worth 20 points, for a total of 60 points. Answers will be evaluated on the basis of strength of vision, clarity of strategy, supporting capacity and opportunity for the applicant (and supporting stakeholders) to make a major advance based on receiving the Readiness Challenge Grant.
How many awards are available?
A total of ten (10) Smart Cities Council Challenge Grants will be awarded for each Incubator (Australia and New Zealand).
How soon will I hear the decision on my application?
You will receive reminders on your application once you have submitted the initial request for access to a full application. Winners will be announced no later than Friday 22nd June, 2018.
If my proposal isn’t accepted, will I know why?
We will provide feedback on all applications, including additional learning resources and diagnostics. We will also give applicants not selected as winners the opportunity to participate in activities similar to the Readiness Challenge if they are able to generate matching resources.
What if my question isn’t answered in the FAQ?
Please submit additional questions to Smart Cities Council ANZ Executive Director Adam Beck.
