Foxconn Technology Group wants its host communities in Wisconsin to be just as impressive as its planned $10 billion LCD screen manufacturing complex in the Village of Mt. Pleasant.
To that end, it’s searching for ways to improve work and living environments through the use of innovative technologies.
The Taiwan-based tech giant announced a competition Tuesday that’s open to students and faculty at the state’s colleges and universities. The “Smart Cities—Smart Futures” competition includes $1 million in prize money.
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In releasing details, Allen Yeung, the company’s top U.S. executive, said he hopes the campaign will generate an array of ideas.
“The goal is to really engage the community and tap into the thoughts, the creativity and the critical thinking,” Yeung said.
Discussions on how to use so-called smart city technology to cope with various pressures created by Foxconn are already underway at official levels, said Racine Mayor Cory Mason.
“Part of it is building off the assets you have,” Mason said. “Part of it is figuring out what the needs are most likely to be and pick two or three bold goals and achieve them well.”
Improving transportation could be one of those key issues.
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