- R3D Global has announced it has been appointed by GBCI Ventures as its strategic public relations and digital media communications agency for its Smart City Ecosystem in Asia.
GBCI Ventures’ $100 million Smart City Development fund will focus on innovative technology start-ups ranging from artificial intelligence and virtual reality.
This fund was set up in October 2018, launched in January 2019 and was backed by corporate capital, family officers and high net worth individuals. This was GCBI’s first fund with the aim to help create a smart city ecosystem by providing global and regional start-ups and technology support access.
The fund aims to move beyond finance and technology and engage with governments, organisations and business, which once they come together will develop a smart city.
The concept of a smart city is to allow citizens to access real infrastructure services such as parking, traffic condition, electricity and water in real time.
The goal is to develop intelligent systems in the area of safety, transport, environmental cleanliness, utilities management and disaster management.
“The dawn of smart city evolution brings economic progress and people who are able to enjoy a higher quality of life and better urban services in the ecosystem,” GBCI CEO Douglas Gan said.
GBCI’s first venture built company, BCBGlobal, specialises in developing blockchain technology which serves as a platform for smart city solutions.
R3D Global will assist GBCI is the planning and execution of its marketing communications and public relations strategy. R3D will also help GBCI to create communities through its social media channels with this initial appointment occurring until the end of 2019.