Belfast pioneering new global policy roadmap for the ethical use of smart city technologies
Belfast is collaborating with other leading smart cities and global experts to refine policies in areas such as privacy protection, cybersecurity, open data and digital connectivity.
Belfast consortium to develop zero-emissions ferry
Belfast aims to be a global leader in zero emissions maritime technology with the development of the world's most environmentally friendly high-speed ferries.
Covid Connect NI website launched to tackle Covid-19 challenges
Belfast City Council has launched a new website to connect organisations and provide solutions to Covid-19 challenges.
Amazing Spaces, Smart Places pilot projects in Belfast parks
Using data and innovative technologies to ensure our parks are safe, accessible and enjoyed by all.
Belfast companies win funding for innovative open data projects
Belfast City Council is working with locals companies Xpand and AllState NI on two innovative data projects.
Belfast’s ‘smart’ loading zones proving popular with drivers
Belfast is trialling innovative solutions to help manage loading bays and electric vehicle charging points at two sites in the city as part of the Last Mile Delivery challenge.
Translink launches Northern Ireland’s first hydrogen buses
Northern Ireland's public transport provider, Translink has launched Northern Ireland’s first sustainable fuel cell buses powered by hydrogen from local on-shore wind energy.
Belfast unveils new electric vehicles for city parks
Belfast City Council is reviewing its vehicle fleet, with long-term ambitions set for transition to low carbon transport options in the future.
Draft Belfast Resilience Strategy launched
Individuals and organisations across Belfast have worked together to identify the shocks and stresses which make the city more vulnerable, and could threaten our economic, social or environmental future.
Belfast Glider buses boost passenger numbers
The Belfast Rapid Transit Glider service has contributed to 1.67 million fewer car journeys in 2018-19, reducing congestion and enhancing city air quality.
Phase two of Last Mile Delivery challenge
Smart, low cost solutions to optimise freight and cargo deliveries in urban centres, and improve traffic management, air quality, noise pollution and road safety.
Belfast Harbour in UK first for 5G technology, using AR and VR
BT brings 5G future to Belfast Harbour with live demonstrations of augmented and virtual reality.
Belfast Bikes help to reduce car usage and traffic congestion
Belfast's public bike hire scheme is helping to reduce car usage and traffic congestion, while offering a low cost and healthy way to travel around Belfast city centre.
£8m full fibre network to connect 200 Council sites across city
Belfast City Council has appointed Virgin Media Business to deliver a full fibre network to connect 200 Council sites across Belfast, guaranteeing the Council’s digital business requirements for the long-term.
Measuring the economic impact of Belfast’s investments
We want to understand the needs and ambitions of your company and how digital investments can help you innovate and grow your business.
Using machine learning to support business rates collection
We explored how data analytics and machine learning can maximise the accurate collection of business rates, as well as maintain an up-to-date register of businesses in the city.
What is ‘Hello Maritime Mile’?
We're part of a pilot project that’s using technology to create an engaging and fun experience for visitors and residents exploring the Maritime Mile in the Belfast's Titanic Quarter.
Belfast trailblazing in 5G
Queen’s University Belfast researchers win major global award for 5G network research.
Belfast joins global ‘City Possible’ programme
Belfast has just signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mastercard to become the latest member of its new 'City Possible' programme.
iPedal intelligent city cycling pilot
Cycling is a key solution to urban mobility. More cyclists means less commuters, reduced congestion and pollution while increasing the health and happiness of our citizens. Knowing more about cycling behaviour can help planners make our city more welcoming to cyclists.
Belfast Region City Deal – £1 billion investment
Belfast Region City Deal partners welcome news of £350 million investment from the UK Treasury. As part of the deal, the NI Executive is expected to add at least a further £350 million and councils will contribute over £100 million.
Smart Belfast investing in urban innovation
The region offers more than just skilled people, competitive costs and great infrastructure; it's a location that delivers altogether more for investors.
Using satellites to study urban air pollution
We're part of a UK Space Agency Space for Smarter Government project that’s using satellite technology to help our planners and residents understand urban air pollution.
Building a resilient city
Belfast is part of the Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities global programme to support us in dealing with the physical, social and economic challenges of the 21st century.
The future of city planning
We have been working with partners to explore the future of planning and the potential of new digital technologies to support systems that are more responsive to radical change and more centred around the future needs of citizens.
Bringing immersive tech to the mainstream
Belfast has become a magnet for talent in music, theatre, film and television. In a statement of our ambition the city has established a national Immersive Lab that seeks to bring Virtual and Augmented Reality Tech into the home, the office and on to the factory floor.
Collaborating for urban innovation
Working with Invest NI we established the ‘Smart Belfast Collaborative Challenge’ which provides funding to SMEs to work together to explore innovative opportunities in the areas of Active Living, Tourism and Transport.
Urban drone technologies
With a strong aeronautical engineering tradition, it’s not surprising that Belfast is also emerging as an ideal testbed for urban drone technologies.
Illuminate the playable city
The concept of a playable city is one which encourages city-dwellers to engage with public spaces in playful, fun and creative ways.
Building a personal visitor experience
Our tourism industry is thriving; we have a unique offering and our visitors love it. We’re working with partners to find better ways to collect, share and analysis real-time tourist data in order to build the world-class offering.
Belfast, leading the way in urban innovation
The Smart Belfast framework is about creating the circumstances in which cross-sectoral innovation can flourish to address urban challenges.
Securing smart cities
Belfast is gaining a global reputation as a cyber security hub with the Centre for Secure Information Technologies now the largest cyber security centre in Europe.