Milton Keynes Council, GB

Milton Keynes Council, GB launches MK Tech Fund for start-ups

Milton Keynes City Council partnered with the Milton Keynes Investors Group to create the MK Tech Fund, a new funding scheme designed to provide financial support to tech-based start-ups based in Milton Keynes who have fewer than ten employees and who have been trading for less than three years. By ‘tech’ the city council means the business is either developing new technology or using existing technology in an innovative way. Funding comes from the city council’s £3.5m Economic Recovery Plan.

MK

Milton Keynes Council, GB

United Kingdom

Milton Keynes Council, GB collaborates with Kerbo on pilot of on-street EV charging technology

Trial participants in the Oxley Park district without off-street parking benefit from safe EV charging. Kerbo's system includes a narrow polymer channel built into the sidewalk between the user's front door and their on-street parking spot. The charging cable rests underneath a self-sealing lid for protection from pedestrians and the elements during operation. A successful pilot may lead to expanded use of Kerbo, thus decreasing charging costs and barriers to EV ownership.

MK

Milton Keynes Council, GB

United Kingdom

Milton Keynes Council, GB trials applications of drone technology for public and private services

Milton Keynes, Cranfield University, and Westcott DronePort are testing drone collaboration with autonomous vehicles and human-led services. Drones will conduct building inspections and traffic monitoring tasks typically completed by council staff. The pilot tests better methods for keeping packages away from thieves and delivering medical supplies in emergency situations. Council officials received £1 million in national funds for pilot development.

MK

Milton Keynes Council, GB

United Kingdom

Milton Keynes Council, GB Accelerator encourages new ideas on sustainable innovation

Ten local enterprises are selected for the six-month challenge hosted by Connected Places Catapult and True Altitude. Participants use the council's 5G network and properties as testbeds for innovations in connectivity and decarbonization. The Milton Keynes Accelerator connects entrepreneurs to experts on effective pitches, design, and business development. A Demo Day at the program's conclusion offers networking opportunities with customers and investors.

MK

Milton Keynes Council, GB

United Kingdom

Milton Keynes Council, GB promotes electric vehicle use with Enterprise Car Club program

Enterprise offers a variety of electric vehicle models at eight locations across Milton Keynes. New members receive £10 in driving credits and £10 memberships in the program's first year. The council encouraged sign-ups in the Car Club's first month with a random drawing for five £100 driving credits. The Enterprise affiliation allows Milton Keynes residents to use their memberships in other communities with Car Clubs.

MK

Milton Keynes Council, GB

United Kingdom

Milton Keynes Council, GB improves transit accessibility with MK Connect on-demand service

MK Connect is an on-demand transit program that serves residents without fixed-route service. Ride requests are made through the MK Connect app and commuters are automatically grouped by common destinations. Pick-ups and drop-offs are completed at virtual bus stops throughout the community with wait times averaging 30 minutes. Council officials reallocated funds from little-used bus routes to MK Connect, thus improving service without additional costs.

MK

Milton Keynes Council, GB

United Kingdom