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Verizon To Lead Techweek Summit On The Use Of Tech In Emerging Cities (Video)

By Edward Cardenas

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - A week-long technology event in downtown Detroit will feature a summit discussing the different ways technology can enhance municipal operations.

The Emerging Cities Summit at Techweek Detroit, which is presented by Verizon Wireless features a variety of panelists from Sisters Code, Detroit Economic Growth Corp. and the Detroit Lions to discuss how the tech industry has helped in Detroit resurgence.

"Detroit's success today is driven by those who are using technology and ingenuity to solve everyday challenges," said Lauren Love-Wright, Verizon Wireless region president for Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky, who will who is a Detroit native and will deliver the keynote speech. "Verizon is dedicated to being a strong partner within Detroit's technology community, and to investing in its continued growth. Partnering with the city's largest technology conference is a natural extension of this ongoing commitment."

The summit, which runs from 9 - 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Ford Field, is part of Techweek Detroit which runs through Friday. In addition to the summit, Techweek features a job fair, an expo of new products and a start-up competition where 50 companies will compete for $50,000 in cash and prizes.

Among the topics to be discussed at the summit will be the ways technology can enhance and strengthen municipal operations along with an overview of Verizon's Smart Cities solutions.

Some examples of this technology include the use of real-time information and analytics to develop strategies to improve infrastructure, plan for long-term growth, create more energy-efficient environments, and keep people safe, according to organizers.

"Our mission is to build a better world through tech entrepreneurship," said Sam Kennedy, executive director at Techweek in a release. "Techweek Detroit brings together tech leaders and innovators who are rebuilding the city. Partners like Verizon help illustrate more than just the good momentum throughout Michigan's entrepreneurial community—at Techweek, you will be able to see the tangible results from Verizon's work with tech companies in the region, especially in the Internet of Things space."

In addition to sponsoring the summit, Verizon has invested $100 million in wireless network improvements in Detroit and has spent $2.7 billion on wireless network investments in Michigan since 2000.

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