NJIT Technology and Society Forum Presents: Smart Cities
Smart Cities is an all-encompassing expression that represents an optimal situation for operating cities while maximizing the benefit to their citizens. A successful Smart Cities approach would also incorporate forward-looking management strategies, such as clean energy. This Technology and Society Forum Presentation, led by Dr. Shihab Kuran, founder of Power Edison, will address how these concepts are implemented throughout the globe with a focus on New Jersey. We will also present case studies of cities, including Newark, New Jersey, that made major strides towards Smart Cities. Also covered will be approaches for New Jersey to achieve 100% clean energy by 2050, while creating an export economy in New Jersey based on innovations in Smart Cities. We dedicate a special effort to energy storage, which is considered the “holy grail” of the power sector. We will also address the energy, water and food nexus which cannot be tackled using traditional approaches, and that innovative solutions are required. We will end the talk by discussing the expected role of academia and the skill sets needed for university graduates.
Dr. Kuran is an investor, serial entrepreneur and a seasoned executive in the global semiconductor, power and clean tech sectors. He founded and ran several private companies and served as an executive and board member at six public companies. In the semiconductor space, he developed a business that became the sole supplier to Intel as they launched their coveted Centrino platform. In the cleantech space, he founded and ran Petra Solar (now Systems) where he led the development of smart solar on poles throughout the PSE&G service area. Prior to founding Power Edison, he served as the President of Strategic Development at NRG, one of the largest independent power producers in the United States where he launched and ran the company’s energy storage and water-energy nexuses businesses. The event, titled "Smart Cities: Efficient Management of Water, Food, Energy Nexus", will be held Friday, February 14, 2020, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Campus Center Atrium.
NJIT welcomes attendees from the region’s professional practices and universities.
This public forum qualifies attendees for Professional Development Hours.
Sponsors: John A. Reif, Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Otto H. York Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, and Sigma Xi NJIT Chapter.
For more information: Visit http://tsf.njit.edu or contact Professor Michel Boufadel, boufadel@njit.edu