U.S. DOT announces Autodesk support to provide 3D design technology to Smart City Challenge finalists

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation Smart City Challenge has the support of global 3D design and engineering software technology firm Autodesk, Inc. The Smart City Challenge is a competition which will create a fully integrated, first-of-its-kind city that uses data, technology and creativity to shape how people and goods move in the future. According to Autodesk, professional engineers and architects, digital artists, students and hobbyists around the world use Autodesk software to unlock their creativity and solve important challenges.

A proof-of-concept InfraWorks 360 model of Miami, Florida. Image courtesy of Autodesk

The five Smart City Challenge finalist cities will each receive complimentary access to Autodesk InfraWorks 360 and training and technical support to help define their vision during the final stage of the competition and beyond. Autodesk InfraWorks 360 is a geospatial and engineering building information modeling platform that enables project stakeholders to plan, design, build and manage complex civil infrastructure in the context of the surrounding environment. 

Further, the one winner to be announced in June will receive continued access to Autodesk InfraWorks 360 and training and technical support to help them successfully implement their winning vision.

“The support of Autodesk on the U.S. DOT’s Smart City Challenge will give the five finalists access to imagine, design and simulate what a fully integrated, forward-looking transportation network looks like, and help us push the boundaries of what is possible in cities across America.” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.  “As the Department works to create a 21st century transportation network that is the strongest in the world, these types of collaborations can help make that vision into a reality. We are excited to welcome them to the Challenge.”

“With climate change, increasing urban populations and crumbling infrastructure facing our cities, Secretary Foxx’s Smart City Challenge comes at a great time,” said Autodesk President and CEO Carl Bass. “The focus of the challenge mirrors Autodesk’s vision to imagine, design and create a better world, and we are proud to support the finalist cities to bring their designs into an achievable, data-driven reality.”

The support from Autodesk follows DOT’s recent announcement that 78 cities submitted applications for their Smart City Challenge where applicants were invited to submit ideas – designed to address or enhance community needs – across a range of innovation and data-driven platforms.

The winning city will be awarded up to $40 million from the U.S. DOT to implement bold, data-driven ideas by making transportation safer, easier, and more reliable. In addition, the U.S. DOT’s Smart City Challenge launch partner, Paul G. Allen’s Vulcan Inc., has announced its intent to award up to $10 million to the winner of the Smart City Challenge, and Mobileye is offering installation of Mobileye Shield +TM technology in the winner’s public bus system.

The five finalists will be announced on March 12 at SXSW in Austin and each finalist will be given $100,000 that will require them to expand their proposals.  The five finalists will then compete for $40 million to be awarded to one city in June 2016.  The Smart City Challenge will allow the selected city to demonstrate how advanced data, technologies, and applications can be used to reduce congestion, keep travelers safe, protect the environment, respond to climate change, and support economic vitality.

To learn more about the Smart City Challenge or to explore joining as a partner organization, visit www.transportation.gov/smartcity.