London Mayor Sets Vision to Elevate City as Leading Smart Hub

London’s Tech Week: The City’s Bold New Playbook

Picture this: the capital’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, steps onto the stage at the launch of London Tech Week, and the whole room feels the buzz of something huge. He’s not just talking about gadgets and apps—he’s sketching out a future where the city itself is a living, breathing smart machine.

Why Tech Matters, According to Khan

Tech is no longer a sidekick; it’s the hero that can tackle a mountain of challenges—air pollution, housing shortages, and even the labyrinth that is urban transport. The mayor is calling on the global tech crowd to help lock in solutions that keep London fresh, affordable, and, well, lively.

Clean Tech Incubator: “Better Futures”

New paper? New grant? Think £1.6 million worth of a Clean Tech Incubator. Better Futures will hand a share of that cash to 100 London-based startups craving low‑carbon, clean‑tech products. The goal: ignite a bustling clean‑tech cluster that makes the capital a crucible of greener ideas.

London’s Current Seat at the Smart‑City Table

London already packs a punch on the European tech scene, pulling talent, innovation, and investment from every corner of the globe. IISE’s Globalisation & Strategy report even names London as Europe’s top smart city—only New York can top it globally.

But the mayor isn’t content resting on laurels. He wants the city to be the flagship for smart tech worldwide: public services run by data, city life streamlined, all backed by streets that practically smart‑watch themselves.

Chief Digital Officer (CDO) On the Horizon

Mayor Khan has already signed up to appoint London’s first Chief Digital Officer. The recruit will be the bridge between his office, the Smart London Board, local councils, and the tech industry—a way to keep everyone plugged together as the city goes digital.

London Office of Technology & Innovation

In the “if‑you-can’t‑be‑there‑you’re‑there” thought; the Mayor’s team is scouting a new hub where boroughs can swap best practices and jam‑session ideas. Imagine a big, friendly tech roundtable where London’s districts get to bounce ideas, build connections, and get solutions to their biggest riffs.

Stellant Words from the Mayor

Here’s the meat: “As mayor of this great city—the best city in the world— it fills me with pride to see our tech sector thriving.” He stresses that new technologies are redefining society, economy, and culture.

His mission: turn London into the world’s definitive smart city. He believes tech—plus data science—holds the keys to solving two bullets: environmental storm‑trojans (air pollution, climate change), and everyday zoning quarrels (housing, transport).

Post‑Brexit Reassurance

After the UK’s ear‑splitting “Leave” moment, London’s mayor wants tech tourists to reset their latches: “We’re open to talent and investment everywhere.” Right indicator? EY data shows London still is #1 in foreign direct investment for the tech sector across Europe. Investors rank London in the triple top‑three world‑math of emerging tech giants.

Plexal—A Mini‑City for Innovation

To kick off London Tech Week, Khan opens Plexal, the newest tech launchpad to shift the magic of innovation into a sprawling 68,000‑sq‑ft city‑block. Here East turns into a bustling stage for 800 startups and massive global companies.

Claire Cockerton’s Game Plan

Claire Cockerton, CEO of Plexal and a London Tech Week ambassador, says, “Plexal will become a blazing innovation hub that isn’t just for London but for the whole world.” She highlights the culture of collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit that gives London its tech flair.

The Global Disability Innovation Programme

Presented by Paralympic legend Baroness Tanni Grey‑Thompson and Lord Chris Holmes MBE. The platform, a joint venture between Plexal and UCL, invites disabled and able experts, users, and corporates to jam together on tech that lifts the disabled community.

Ideas? Think accessible housing, transportation hacks, and data analytics that make lives better. Holmes says he’s thrilled to chair this initiative and believes inclusive design benefits everyone—it’s a “neutral” tech that becomes a catalyst for “ground‑breaking solutions.”

Ford’s Smart Mobility Office

During the launch, Steven Armstrong from Ford declared a new Smart Mobility Innovation Office at Here East, focusing on future transport for Europe. Ford’s squad will collaborate with academia, dedicated digital firms, and existing partners to prototype commercial mobility solutions custom for European megacities.

Gavin Poole, Here East’s CEO

Poole speaks on synergies: “The UK tech sector thrives on a strong collaboration between entrepreneurs and established firms, academia, and policymakers.” He’s proud of Ford’s inclusion at Here East during this vibrant launch.