Toronto launches UPPlift, Canada’s First Urban Pilot Program
In September 2017, the ICF Canada newsletter covered the development of UPPlift, a new virtual technology accelerator which aims to bring innovation to the built environment. Today we witnessed its official launch in Toronto. UPPlift, founded by Mikele Brack, has the support of major corporations, including Microsoft and QuadReal Property Group, and participation of the City of Toronto to create a city-lab that will to help resolve city challenges and increase the city’s livability with the assistance of Internet of Things technologies and other smart innovations.
“We’re seeing a rising trend in the creation of smart cities, but we can’t forget that there is existing infrastructure that needs to move with us into the coming decades,” said Mikele Brack, founder of Urban Living Futures, the company behind UPPlift. “Toronto is a world-class city with wonderful historic and modern features. As urban migration continues and new technologies emerge, we’re looking to make improvements to the built environment that will ultimately benefit the people and communities who live and work within it every day.” Added Dennis Lopez, QuadReal CEO, “Our properties are more than just bricks and mortar; they are places where people live, work, shop and play… we understand the importance of harnessing innovation to improve the experience of tenants, residents and visitors. And we see UPPlift as an effective catalyst for value creation, one that aligns with our vision to create living and working environments that enhance the lives of the people and communities we serve.”
During the launch, attended by Her Honour, the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Michael Kolm, Chief Transformation Officer of the City of Toronto, and a significant number of other thought leaders in Toronto’s smart city movement, Kevin Peesker, President of Microsoft Canada, noted his company’s involvement in the UPPlift initiative, especially with its technology and IoT expertise, as well as the need to have collaborative support from government, businesses, local institutions and citizens to develop new smart city solutions that will lead to more efficient and livable cities.
Among the challenges that UPPlift and its partners would like to see addressed include enhancing smart building experiences through digital enabling technologies and improvements to a building’s energy efficiencies and sustainability. Ultimately, five to ten outstanding innovators will be selected, with pilots to be run exclusively in QuadReal office buildings in the downtown core and with the City of Toronto. For more information, or to submit an application, visit www.upplift.co .
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