IBM today announced that it is extending the Smarter Cities Challenge competitive grants program.

This program funds the deployment of IBM's top talent to perform pro bono problem solving in municipalities worldwide, henceforth regional governing bodies are also encouraged to apply for grants that will fund consultative engagements with IBM experts in 2014. 

Connectikpeople may recall that, launched in 2011, IBM has deployed 600 experts on
six-person teams who have provided strategic and practical advice to 100 municipalities. 

According to IBM, these three-week engagements, each valued at USD $400,000, have helped cities address key challenges in the areas of economic development; water, energy and environment; health and social services; transportation; and public safety. 

This means, during engagements, IBM teams spend three weeks in the winning region gathering and analyzing all available data, then meeting in person with dozens of members of the government, citizen, business, and not-for-profit communities. In doing so, they gather diverse perspectives about the causes and potential solutions to the challenge at hand. At the end of engagements, IBM presents comprehensive recommendations for solving the problem, followed weeks later by a more detailed, written implementation plan.  issues. 

Applications may be submitted to IBM beginning today through November 8, 2013 by visiting www.smartercitieschallenge.org .