The Columbus City Council has approved a $2.5 million contract with Pillar Technology Group to develop an operating system for the Smart Columbus, according to The Columbus Dispatch. The move comes as Columbus continues building on its efforts as the winner of the US Smart Cities Challenge in 2016.
Pillar Technology Group is a local company and will be tasked with creating a computer operating system that will power the city’s technology infrastructure.
Columbus won $50 million for smart city projects as the winner of the nationwide challenge. Since then, Columbus has built out relationships with an ecosystem of technology vendors to support its goal of becoming a smart city. Columbus first put out an RFP for its new technology hub two months ago. The RFP lists 42 jobs and sets a three-year timeline.
Alongside this project, the city is also working on transportation initiatives including support for electric vehicles. Columbus announced plans in March to launch an “experience center” which will show residents and visitors how the city is planning for the future.
