The 10 cities best prepared for a ‘smart city future'

This story was originally published on Smart Cities Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Smart Cities Dive newsletter.
Atlanta beat out coastal tech havens like San Jose, California, and Boston to rank as the top U.S. city for a 'smart city future' in ProptechOS' 2025 Smart City Index.
The annual ranking is based on metrics related to each city's tech infrastructure and connectivity, sustainability and tech job market.
'Some of the benefits of scoring highly on these metrics for local citizens are that they can enjoy better public services, transport, security, economic opportunities and less air pollution,' according to ProptechOS, a software company based in Stockholm.
Atlanta climbed from 10th place in last year's index, where Seattle took the top spot.
This embedded content is not available in your region.
In the latest ranking, Atlanta scored 88 out of 100 for tech infrastructure and 82 for its tech job market, with 643 tech jobs advertised per 10,000 people, according to the study.
'Atlanta has the fourth-highest internet download and upload speeds of any major U.S. city,' ProptechOS stated. 'Relative to its population size, Atlanta also boasts the third-highest number of companies dedicated to the Internet of Things (IoT) and the fifth-highest number of artificial intelligence companies.'
Atlanta has long been on a path toward strengthening its smart city status, joining the White House's Smart Cities Initiative in 2015 and partnering with the Georgia Institute of Technology on smart city initiatives to ease traffic congestion, promote public safety and improve the city's environmental sustainability. The city's North Avenue Smart Corridor Project was recognized by the International Smart City Expo as a 'living lab for active, multi-modal traffic management through technology deployment and data analytics.'
Atlanta also met its Better Buildings Challenge goal two years ahead of schedule, reducing the city's energy consumption by 20% in 2019 and saving 1.3 billion gallons of water.
In May 2024 the city began enhancing its customer-facing digital products, including station screens and the mobile app for its Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, a project expected to wrap up this June.
While Atlanta dominated overall in the 2025 Smart City Index, San Francisco topped the list of cities with the best environmental metrics, in part due to its number and density of EV charging stations and LEED-certified green buildings. Oakland, California, scored highest on the index (98 out of 100) for its number of tech jobs, with 889 tech jobs per 10,000 people — enough tech jobs for approximately 10% of the city's population, according to the study.
The index also ranked European smart cities in 2025, awarding Paris top billing, followed by Stockholm; Amsterdam; Munich; and Lisbon, Portugal.
Ryan Kushner is an editor of American City & County, which is also under Smart Cities Dive's parent company, Informa TechTarget.
Recommended Reading
6 smart cities trends to watch in 2025

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Yahoo

an hour ago

• Yahoo

5 Must-Read Analyst Questions From NXP Semiconductors's Q1 Earnings Call

NXP Semiconductors' first quarter results drew a negative market reaction, as investors focused on the ongoing year-over-year revenue decline and rising inventory levels. Management attributed performance to weaker demand in automotive and industrial segments, partially offset by stronger-than-expected trends in the mobile and communications infrastructure businesses. CEO Kurt Sievers noted, 'Revenue trends in the mobile and communication infrastructure markets were slightly above expectations, while performance in the automotive and industrial and IoT markets were slightly below.' The company also cited elevated operating expenses and an uncertain demand environment as weighing on margins. Is now the time to buy NXPI? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $2.84 billion vs analyst estimates of $2.83 billion (9.3% year-on-year decline, in line) Adjusted EPS: $2.64 vs analyst estimates of $2.60 (1.4% beat) Adjusted EBITDA: $1.07 billion vs analyst estimates of $1.05 billion (37.8% margin, 2.6% beat) Revenue Guidance for Q2 CY2025 is $2.9 billion at the midpoint, above analyst estimates of $2.87 billion Adjusted EPS guidance for Q2 CY2025 is $2.66 at the midpoint, roughly in line with what analysts were expecting Operating Margin: 25.5%, down from 27.4% in the same quarter last year Inventory Days Outstanding: 168, up from 152 in the previous quarter Market Capitalization: $52.8 billion While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention. Christopher Muse (Cantor Fitzgerald) asked if NXP's recent acquisitions were defensive responses to Chinese competition or intended for product differentiation. CEO Kurt Sievers replied they are primarily offensive, augmenting NXP's compute and software capabilities for global markets. Ross Seymore (Deutsche Bank) questioned the company's manufacturing flexibility and customer perception amid tariff uncertainty. Sievers emphasized NXP's European positioning in China and its progress in localizing manufacturing to serve the 'China for China' strategy. Chris Caso (Wolfe Research) explored how much of NXP's China revenue could eventually be sourced domestically. Sievers indicated about 30% is currently China-sourced, with ongoing efforts to increase this share for supply chain independence. Francois Bouvignies (UBS) inquired about the company's approach to customer inventory pull-ins amid uncertainty. Sievers confirmed NXP prefers to limit inventory build-ups, maintaining strict controls unless justified by specific customer needs. Stacy Rasgon (Bernstein Research) pressed for color on second-half gross margin trends given high inventory levels. CFO Bill Betz said margins hinge on revenue levels and internal utilization, expressing confidence in their long-term gross margin range but acknowledging near-term variability. In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will monitor (1) the pace at which automotive and industrial customers digest excess inventory and return to normalized ordering, (2) the initial integration and market impact of the Kinara acquisition for edge AI applications, and (3) the effects of global tariff changes on both supply chain operations and customer demand. Additional attention will be given to evolving regional demand patterns, particularly in China and Japan. NXP Semiconductors currently trades at $209.03, up from $196.56 just before the earnings. Is there an opportunity in the stock?The answer lies in our full research report (it's free). Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election sent major indices to all-time highs, but stocks have retraced as investors debate the health of the economy and the potential impact of tariffs. While this leaves much uncertainty around 2025, a few companies are poised for long-term gains regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate, like our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.

Business Wire

2 hours ago

• Business Wire

Dot Ai to Begin Trading on Nasdaq Stock Market

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SEE ID, Inc., doing business as Dot Ai (Nasdaq: DAIC) ('Dot Ai'), a pioneering startup at the forefront of asset intelligence technology, today announced that shares of its Class A common stock and warrants will commence trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbols 'DAIC' and 'DAICW,' respectively, on June 23, 2025. 'We're thrilled to finalize our listing and to become a publicly traded company,' said Ed Nabrotzky, Co-founder and CEO of Dot Ai. 'Leveraging state-of-the-art artificial intelligence engines, the Internet of Things, and our patented, proprietary and innovative software, hardware and cloud integration solutions, we are revolutionizing how companies all over the world manage their supply chains, logistics operations and operational security.' 'With access to the public markets, we look forward to executing on our growth plans, delivering on our product launches, including our recently announced Zero Infrastructure Mesh and more, and ramping up operations at our Puerto Rico manufacturing hub,' Mr. Nabrotzky continued. 'Furthermore, with partners like Würth Industry USA and additional key players to be announced in the coming months, we believe Dot Ai is well positioned to capitalize on the rapidly increasing demand for modern, next-gen technology that empowers comprehensive, efficient, secure and reliable supply chains across a variety of sectors.' Key Operational Highlights In December 2024, Dot Ai unveiled ZiM (Zero Infrastructure Mesh), a next-gen Internet of Things (IoT) tracking technology, to replace the outdated and expensive technologies that logistics operations have relied on for decades. ZiM is designed to offer an innovative asset management solution by securely gathering data at the edge of the enterprise. It can read both passive (battery free transponders) and active (battery powered beacons) to provide data for supervisory systems. The bridge can operate with its own battery power when mounted on moving racks or pallets or be hardwired to power for fixed installation in aisles or doorways. Puerto Rico Facility In May 2025, in partnership with Invest Puerto Rico ('Invest PR'), the island's business attraction organization, Dot Ai announced plans to establish its first hardware manufacturing operation in Barceloneta. The company chose Puerto Rico to benefit from U.S. jurisdictional protections, strong intellectual property enforcement and access to global markets from a domestic base. Dot Ai projects the facility will result in the creation of up to 200 full-time jobs over the next five years, subject to business conditions and operational scaling. Dot AI's new facility in Barceloneta will manufacture and globally distribute its patented IoT tracking systems, boosting Puerto Rico's reputation as a hub for cutting-edge technology and advanced manufacturing. Partnership with Wurth Industry USA In November 2024, Dot Ai and Würth Industry USA ('Würth'), a leading industrial distributor and division of the Würth Group, announced the execution of a five-year agreement to bring Dot Ai's advanced, AI-driven tracking solutions to Würth's customers. This access offers Würth unprecedented visibility into internal and customer premise operations and provides Dot Ai an exclusive partnership to serve Würth's manufacturing vertical. Under this agreement, Würth customers gain access to Dot Ai's state-of-the-art track and trace technology, including the ZiM Bridge, Industrial Passive asset tag solution (which requires no battery), and a cloud-based, AI platform that continually optimizes processes. These innovations are being seamlessly integrated with Würth's customized CPS ® kanban inventory management solutions, providing real-time data and increasing responsiveness to changing demands, resulting in unprecedented supply chain metrics and security. About Dot Ai At the heart of the technological revolution in asset management and security lies Dot Ai, a trailblazing SaaS service that is redefining the paradigms of asset intelligence, assurance and safety. By harnessing the power of IoT tracking technology, Dot Ai stands at the forefront of innovation, offering patented solutions that are not just advanced but transformative. Through relentless research and development, Dot Ai has pioneered a suite of technologies that empower organizations to not only streamline their logistics and supply chain processes but also bolster operational security to unprecedented levels. Leveraging state-of-the-art AI engines, cutting-edge 5G RF and BLE technology, and seamless cloud integrations, Dot Ai transcends traditional boundaries, offering real-time asset visibility and predictive analytics that integrate effortlessly with existing infrastructure. This is not just technology; it's a vision for a more secure, efficient, and connected world. Discover more about how Dot Ai is leading the charge in asset intelligence by visiting Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts, including the statements regarding the anticipated timing to commence trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market, plans regarding the execution of its growth plans, expectations regarding its ZiM product launch and its Puerto Rico Facility expansion. All forward-looking statements are based on ShoulderUp's current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on ShoulderUp, SEE ID or any successor entity thereof. Forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are not intended to serve as a guarantee of future performance. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) risks that the transaction and listing disrupt current plans and operations of SEE ID, (ii) costs related to the transaction and the failure to realize anticipated benefits of the transaction or to realize estimated pro forma results and underlying assumptions, (iii) the risk that SEE ID and its current and future collaborators are unable to successfully develop and commercialize SEE ID's products or services, or experience significant delays in doing so, (iv) the risk that SEE ID may need to raise additional capital to execute its business plan, which many not be available on acceptable terms or at all, (v) the risk that the post-combination company experiences difficulties in managing its growth and expanding operations. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive; (vi) competition, the ability of SEE ID to grow and manage growth profitably, and retain its management and key employees; (vii) changes in applicable laws or regulations; and (viii) weakness in the economy, market trends, uncertainty and other conditions in the markets in which SEE ID operates, and other factors beyond its control, such as inflation or rising interest rates. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the 'Risk Factors' section of the S-4 Registration Statement and proxy statement/prospectus discussed above and other documents filed or to be filed by ShoulderUp, SEE ID and/or any successor entity thereof from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and ShoulderUp assumes no obligation and do not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

Associated Press

3 hours ago

• Associated Press

Sequans Announces $384M Strategic Investment to Launch Bitcoin Treasury Initiative

Paris, France--(Newsfile Corp. - June 23, 2025) - Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS) ('Sequans' or the 'Company'), a leading developer and provider of 5G/4G IoT semiconductors and modules, today announced it is establishing a bitcoin treasury initiative, marking a strategic expansion alongside its core semiconductor cellular IoT business. To implement this initiative, the Company has agreed to issue and sell approximately $195 million in equity securities and $189 million in principal amount of convertible secured debentures, for total gross proceeds of approximately $384 million, through private placement offerings. 'Our bitcoin treasury strategy reflects our strong conviction in bitcoin as a premier asset and a compelling long-term investment,' said Georges Karam, CEO of Sequans. 'We believe bitcoin's unique characteristics will enhance our financial resilience and deliver significant value to our shareholders.' To implement this initiative, the Company expects to partner with Swan Bitcoin, a leading provider of bitcoin treasury management solutions. While launching this new initiative, Sequans remains committed to its core mission of advancing cellular IoT. 'We continue to support our customers with a robust 4G and 5G product roadmap, delivering innovative solutions to meet evolving IoT application needs and ensuring a seamless transition from 4G to 5G,' Karam added. The Company has entered into definitive agreements for the purchase and sale of (i) an aggregate of 1,392,857,140 ordinary shares, nominal value €0.01 per share, of the Company (the 'Ordinary Shares'), represented by 139,285,714 American Depositary Shares (the 'ADSs') (or pre-funded warrants in lieu thereof), and common warrants to purchase up to 208,928,460 Ordinary Shares represented by 20,892,846 ADSs (or pre-funded warrants in lieu thereof) exercisable within 90 days of the closing of the Equity Private Placement (as defined below), at a combined purchase price of $1.40 per ADS and common warrant, the equivalent of $0.14 per Ordinary Share and common warrant at the current ratio, in a private placement (the 'Equity Private Placement') and (ii) secured convertible debentures (the 'Secured Convertible Debentures') in the aggregate principal amount of $189 million and common warrants to purchase up to 202,499,980 Ordinary Shares represented by 20,249,998 ADSs (or pre-funded warrants in lieu thereof) exercisable within 90 days of the closing of the Debt Private Placement (as defined below) in a private placement (the 'Debt Private Placement' and, together with the Equity Private Placement, the 'Offering'). The Offering is expected to close on or around July 1, 2025, subject to shareholder approval at the Company's ordinary and extraordinary general shareholders' meeting on June 30, 2025 and customary closing conditions. Closing of the Debt Private Placement is contingent upon the completion of the Equity Private Placement for aggregate gross proceeds of not less than $195 million. Northland Capital Markets and B. Riley Securities served as joint lead placement agents for the Offering. Yorkville Securities served as a placement agent for the Offering. Lowenstein Sandler LLP is acting as U.S. legal counsel and ARCHERS (AARPI) is acting as French legal counsel to the Company. Goodwin Procter, LLP is acting as U.S. and French legal counsel to the placement agents. The securities described above are being offered in a private placement under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 'Securities Act'), and/or Regulation D promulgated thereunder and, along with the Ordinary Shares represented by ADSs underlying the Secured Convertible Debentures, the pre-funded warrants and the common warrants, have not been registered under the Securities Act, or applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, such securities may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and such applicable state securities laws. Pursuant to registration rights agreements with investors, the Company will agree to file resale registration statements covering the securities described above. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. About Sequans Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS) is a leading semiconductor company specializing in wireless cellular technology for the Internet of Things (IoT). Our engineers design and develop innovative, secure, and scalable technologies that power the next generation of connected devices. We offer a wide range of solutions, including chips, modules, IP, and services. Our LTE-M/NB-IoT, 4G LTE Cat 1bis, and 5G NR RedCap/eRedCap platforms are optimized for IoT, delivering breakthroughs in wireless connectivity, power efficiency, security, and performance. Established in 2003, Sequans is headquartered in France and has a global presence with offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Israel, Hong Kong, Singapore, Finland, Taiwan, and China. Visit Sequans at and follow us on LinkedIn and X. About Swan Bitcoin Swan is one of the USA's leading Bitcoin-based wealth platforms, serving the fast-growing cohort of Bitcoin investors. Swan's mission-driven team simplifies Bitcoin custody, security, and investment, delivering elite concierge support, exclusive networking, and industry-leading research. Swan services include concierge OTC service, institutional-level liquidity, Bitcoin treasury strategy and operations, tax-loss harvesting, inheritance planning, retirement accounts, and secure custody options. To learn more, please visit Forward Looking Statements This press release contains certain statements that are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Sequans, including, but not limited to, with respect to the Offering, the satisfaction of closing conditions, including obtaining shareholder approval, in connection therewith and the use of proceeds therefrom, and the Company's Bitcoin treasury strategy, including expectations for the success of the strategy and the Company's partnership with Swan Bitcoin. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that are not historical fact. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements also often use words such as 'anticipate,' 'committed to', 'target,' 'continue,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'forecast,' 'intend,' 'may,' 'plan,' 'goal,' 'believe,' 'hope,' 'aims,' 'continue,' 'could,' 'project,' 'should,' 'will' or other words of similar meaning. These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by Sequans in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, future developments and other factors it believes appropriate. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty, because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and the factors described in the context of such forward-looking statements in this announcement could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although it is believed that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to be correct, and you are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as at the date of this announcement. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results and are based on certain key assumptions. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the completion of the Qualcomm transaction. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied in any forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements are changes in the global, political, economic, business and competitive environments, market and regulatory forces, including tariffs and trade wars. If any one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or if any one or more of the assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those expected, estimated or projected. Such forward-looking statements should therefore be construed in the light of such factors. A more complete description of these and other material risks can be found in Sequans' filings with the SEC, including its annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024, subsequent filings on Form 6-K and other documents that may be filed from time to time with the SEC. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this announcement. Sequans undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Contacts Sequans investor relations: David Hanover/Gerrick Johnson, KCSA Strategic Communications (USA), +1 212.682.6300, [email protected] Sequans media relations: Linda Bouvet (France), +33 170721600 [email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit