NEWARK, N.J., Oct. 20, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arkados Group, Inc. (OTCQB:AKDS), a global provider of scalable and interoperable Internet of Things (IoT) solutions focused on industrial automation and energy management, today announced that on October 17, 2016, Newark officials joined with the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), the New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII) an NJIT corporation that applies the intellectual and technological resources of the state’s science and technology university, and corporate partners, to announce a long-term program that would help propel the city into becoming one of the most technologically-connected cities in the nation.
Newark is taking the necessary steps toward becoming a “Smart City,” as part of a sweeping White House initiative that brings together academia, government and business to innovate and create the next generation of urban technology and infrastructure. For communities like Newark, these solutions would permeate all parts of the city experience for residents, daytime workers and visitors.
“Imagine Newark as a city where technology enhances every part of your life, wherever you may be,” said Donald Sebastian, president and CEO of NJII. “Through the Smart Cities initiative, we will be reshaping and enhancing how the public experiences Newark. The open technology infrastructure we are creating will be a magnet to attract entrepreneurial businesses whose products will reshape urban life using the Internet of Things, and they will contribute greatly to the economic vitality of our city.”
With smart city technologies, Newark can better tackle key challenges such as reducing traffic congestion, fighting crime, fostering economic growth, managing the effects of a changing climate, and improving the delivery of city services. It is part of the national “MetroLab” network, in which NJIT and Newark joined 40 other regional city-university partnerships across the nation.
The local program is called MetroLab@Newark.
During a kick-off event at NJIT, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, NJII leaders, corporate partners and the Newark Downtown District explained what the announcement means to the city and its people.
"This is a big step forward for the City, to make us an innovative hub where tech companies will want to locate. BrandNewark is a physical extension of that, and a way that the neighborhoods can feel like this innovation is all around them and they are a part of it. We want to make it happen right here, a smart city, gigabit internet and a tech-savvy workforce," said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka.
Much of the work involved in creating a smart city will be behind the scenes as it focuses on creating significantly enhanced Wi-Fi bandwidth that is easily accessible in Newark. But there is one highly visible element, which will form the first project that will be opening this fall at Prudential Way and Broad Street, at Military Park.
Funded by the Newark Downtown District, and supported by the city, an Internet kiosk (named Brand Newark) will open on the site. It will be a powerful Wi-Fi hub that will provide residents and visitors with the latest news and information on local businesses, traffic, mass transit schedules, local news, videos and other important features via a next generation fiber optic network.
According to Anthony McMillan, CEO, Newark Downtown District, “Downtown Newark is at the center of the city's revitalization, and the Brand Newark kiosk is a shining example of this 'new narrative'. The Newark Downtown District is excited to partner with NJII and the City of Newark to bring a higher level of connectivity to businesses, arts, education, and technology to those who live, labor and leisure in our district.”
The information will be fueled through “Brand Newark,” which will provide the free Internet, without the need for users to register. Innovators and developers will be sought to continually expand the capabilities of Brand Newark, as kiosks will ultimately be featured in all five districts of the city. Learn more about opportunities at BrandNewark.org.
Bell Labs, Director of Research, Video and Audio Analytics, Paul Wilford said, “Nokia is a global leader in the technologies that connect people and things. Powered by the pioneering work of Bell Laboratories our research and innovation division, we are at the forefront of creating and licensing the technologies that are increasingly at the heart of our connected lives. To that end, we are honored to have the opportunity to participate in the MetroLab program and look forward to improving the quality of life of the residents of Newark through collaboration with the foundation and its participating members.”
In addition to support from Nokia/Bell Laboratories, the list of corporate partners working in the MetroLab@Newark program include:
- Panasonic
- IBM Corp
- Juniper Networks
- Lutron Electronics
- Arkados Group
- 4.0 Analytics
- Numina
- GoMo Health
- Aptinet Inc.
The New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII) is an NJIT corporation that applies the intellectual and technological resources of the state’s science and technology university to challenges identified by industry partners. Through its Innovation Labs (iLabs), NJII brings NJIT expertise to key economic sectors, including healthcare delivery systems, bio-pharmaceutical production, civil infrastructure, defense and homeland security, and financial services.
To view the press release issued by NJIT click here .
About Arkados Group, Inc.
Arkados Group, Inc. through its subsidiaries is a global provider of scalable and interoperable Internet of Things (IoT) solutions focused on industrial automation and energy management. The Company’s solutions are uniquely designed to drive a wide variety of wireless and powerline communication (PLC)-based products, such as sensors, gateways, video cameras, appliances and other devices. By utilizing the Company’s solutions, Arkados’ customers can bring numerous sophisticated, full-featured products to market faster at a lower overall development cost. Arkados® is a registered trademark of Arkados Group, Inc. For more information about Arkados, please visit us at http://www.arkadosgroup.com , and follow us on Facebook , LinkedIn , Twitter and Google+ .
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, insufficient working capital, product and service demand and acceptance, changes in technology, economic conditions, the impact of competition and pricing, government regulations, and other risks contained in reports filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All such forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, and whether made by or on behalf of the company, are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and any other cautionary statements which may accompany the forward-looking statements. In addition, the company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.
Investor Contact: Investor Relations investors@arkadosgroup.com
