As part of the Toyota Mobility Foundation’s $9m Sustainable Cities Challenge, Varanasi has launched a global call for innovators to find data-driven solutions to make the city safer for the millions of people who visit every year for pilgrimage. The Varanasi Challenge is looking for solutions that will allow the city to better manage the growing influx of annual visitors, while making the city more accessible for tourists and local residents, particularly older people and people with disabilities.
Varanasi is inviting global innovators to develop crowd management solutions for its ancient spiritual center, Kashi, as part of the Sustainable Cities Challenge. As one of the three chosen host cities, Varanasi will provide $3m in funding. The initiative aims to improve safety and accessibility for pilgrims, tourists, and vulnerable groups.
Companies offering solutions integrating artificial intelligence, urban design, data analytics, behavioral, and crowd science are invited to apply by September 5, 2024. The Innovating Crowd Flow Challenge is designed by Varanasi, Toyota Mobility Foundation, Challenge Works, and World Resources Institute. Shri. Akshat Verma IAS, Municipal Commissioner, Varanasi Municipal Corporation, said, “We are very excited to be involved in the Sustainable Cities Challenge. Millions of people visit Varanasi every year for religious, spiritual and touristic activities alike. Our leadership is committed to make Kashi safer and more accessible for all.”
