US provides $2M grant to Istanbul municipality
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoglu discusses the 'Digital Twin Project Protocol' with USTDA officials in Istanbul, Türkiye, on Dec. 9, 2024. (Photo courtesy of municipal officials)
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s “Digital Twin Project” has been awarded a $2 million grant from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA).
According to Istanbul municipality’s press release, the project aims to initiate advanced AI use and digital data analysis, especially focusing on natural disaster management for Türkiye’s biggest city.
Speaking at the protocol signing ceremony held on Monday in Istanbul, Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu emphasized the global significance of the project.
With USTDA’s support, this project not only addresses Istanbul’s needs but also offers a pioneering approach to disaster management challenges faced by cities worldwide. This platform enables real-time data analysis, simulations, and AI-powered process management, ensuring rapid response during disasters while accelerating human-centered recovery efforts afterward.
Ekrem Imamoglu, mayor of Istanbul
‘Essential step in reducing the disaster risks’
The agreement was signed between Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Secretary-General Zeynep Neyza Akcabay and USTDA Global Director Enoh T. Ebong.
Highlighting the importance of the project, “This collaboration is an essential step in reducing the risks posed by disasters and delivering swift, effective and sustainable solutions for our people in all circumstances,” Imamoglu said. He marked this agreement as the fourth grant collaboration with USTDA, wishing for more extended cooperation in the future.
USTDA Global Director Ebong expressed her admiration for Istanbul’s vision and dedication.
The vision and implementation efforts we have witnessed here in İstanbul are truly remarkable. This partnership not only strengthens our longstanding collaboration but also lays the foundation for future initiatives. What makes this partnership extraordinary is the emphasis on people and the impact on their lives. We are eager to sign this agreement and see this exceptional project come to life.
Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA global girector
Accelerating decision-making and recovery in disaster scenarios
The Digital Twin Project is projected to be more efficient, data-driven decision-making in urban planning, resource management and environmental monitoring processes. By using environmental, demographic and infrastructural data from various parts of the city, the project simulates potential disaster scenarios and identifies critical risks in advance.
In collaboration with the Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM), this innovative model provides faster decision-making and recovery processes in disaster scenarios. Leveraging technology from leading American companies, the project represents a significant step toward creating more sustainable and resilient cities worldwide.
Awarded first place twice globally, the Digital Twin Project was praised as setting new standards in smart city innovation.
