Bath has received official government recognition that it is leading the way in smart city technology, with Bath:Hacked being praised by Digital Minister Ed Vaisey.
Bath:Hacked, a local Community Organisation supported by Bath & North East Somerset Council, has been singled out for praise by the Digital Minister, Ed Vaisey.
The project explores the use of open data and clever tech to improve life in our community.
In a speech last week the Minister praised the project for its data driven innovation.
He again highlighted Bath:Hacked and the local area during Ministerial Questions stating: “Bath is leading the way in smart city technology and the internet of things. They are so high tech they would be the perfect place to set the next Bond movie when it is set in the UK!”
Welcoming the Minister’s comments Cllr Tim Warren (Conservative, Mendip), Leader of the Council said: “Making better use of data and technology locally is delivering local growth and a helping create a better quality of life for local residents.
“We have a proud tradition of working with our local community to make the most of the information we hold about Bath and North East Somerset and in using it to make a real difference to people’s lives.”
Bath:Hacked provides access to open data and supports local residents and businesses to build useful things for the area, including help with school applications, tracking new business creation, guiding people round town and reporting on air quality.
Leigh Dodds, Chairman of Bath:Hacked added: “Bath:Hacked has always been a community group with big ambitions and it’s great to see this recognised.
“It’s a testament to the strong technical community in the area that we’ve been able to achieve so much already and we’re keen to engage with as many local organisations and residents as possible to build more useful things”
The Council, Bath:Hacked and the University of Bath are currently exploring opportunities to expand this scheme.
For more information, visit www.bathhacked.org.