The Portuguese Parqly is the winner of the 4th edition of the Big Smart Cities competition promoted by Vodafone and Ericsson. Designed to solve parking problems in large urban centers, the app will provide information on the most suitable parking places for drivers in terms of proximity, occupancy rate or price. Moreover, Parqly will include the possibility to book in advance and make the payment through the smartphone.
In addition to the winner, three other projects were recognized:
- New Generation Networks Vodafone – Take my Dronie that combines the selfie concept with drone technology and introduces into the market a new concept: the “Dronie”.
- Ericsson Internet of Things – Movtz technology that turns any electrical plug into an electric vehicles recharging point;
- Audience Award – Ledviser, a wearable device for cyclists that allow riders to indicate in advance their intention to turn and/or break.
Created in 2013 to find technological ideas aimed at improving the daily lives of those who live, work or visit a city, this 4th edition of the Big Smart Cities was the one that got the highest number of applications ever. A participation of over 230 teams.
As winners of the competition, Parqly got 10,000 euros to bring the app to life, incubation at Vodafone Power Lab and a trip to Stockholm to meet the headquarters of Ericsson and its innovation clusters.
Photo credits: BIG smart cities facebook page