Smart Cities
We bring together a range of visionary businesses united by a determination to improve the quality of life in urban areas – safer, better connected, more sustainable.
Nexus and Smart Cities
Technology, digital innovation and societal adoption are the key drivers in creating ‘smarter cities’ and as part of the Nexus community we connect pioneering businesses with vital academic research and advanced test facilities.
It’s a highly collaborative environment where new ideas have the potential to make a direct and positive impact on the way we live.
How can Nexus help?
As a member of Nexus, you’ll have improved access to vital funding opportunities to help you start up or scale up. Our knowledgeable team has extensive sector knowledge and experience of potential funding sources and can connect you with a range of advisors and potential investors.
As part of the University of Leeds, Nexus offers members access to the most advanced facilities for the testing and development of their innovations. These include the Nexus Digital Twin which allows businesses to create digital threads linking the development of their innovation to its environment to measure and validate its functionality and adoptability. Virtuocity (the centre for city simulation and co-design) the Leeds Institute of Data Analytics and Helix, the University’s new digital innovation hub.
Members also have access to a pioneering ‘living lab’ testbed at White Rose Park in Leeds where innovators can experiment, prototype, and test ideas in a real-world environment.
Nexus membership places you at the heart of a thriving academic environment where pioneering research is taking place in data analysis and data modelling as well as ground-breaking work in sustainability, climate science and pollution reduction - any of which can be drawn upon to help develop and co-create innovative smart city solutions.
Nexus is a focal point for innovation in the region and beyond, connecting member businesses with a wider ecosystem made up of industry, academia, local government and poilcy-makers. As such, it is an ideal platform for your business, supporting your growth and helping to raise your profile among public sector organisations and larger corporates.
Nexus is a member of the Digital Twin Consortium – the global collaboration between academia, industry and government – and can help drive global awareness and adoption of your ideas and solutions.
Leeds and smart cities
Hear more from Nexus’ Smart Cities Lead Dennis Dokter as he chats all things smart cities with the ‘Industrial Talks’ podcast, broadcast live from the Object Management Group (OMG) Q1 meeting in Reston, Virginia.
What makes a smart city?
We spoke to Dennis Dokter, Nexus’ Smart Cities Lead, David Smith, our Technical and Regional Entrepreneurship Lead and Mark Mildren, Director of the Future and Head of Marketing at property development and investment specialists Munroe K – all partners in Ingenuity Leeds – about what makes a smart city and what they mean for people, the environment and our economy.
About Nexus
Nexus is a community of innovators. We bring together the brightest minds from business, technology and academia.
We help your business navigate the innovation landscape across West Yorkshire. We provide access to research, talent and facilities across the University of Leeds and beyond.
Latest news
Nexus Meets… DRS Software
Martin Nyaga from DRS Software speaks to us as part of our Nexus Meets series.
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Strengthening the Leeds and Nashville HealthTech Bridge – Barry Singleton’s visit to Nashville for ViVE Health
Last Month, Nexus Engagement Manager Barry Singleton traded the bustling innovation hub of Leeds for the music-filled streets of Nashville to attend ViVE Health 2025.
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Learning to Listening: Five tips to understand your audience better
Continuing to build on the Power of Five, Iain Hunter reflects on the importance of listening to your customers and shares five tips on how to do this effectively.
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Nexus member events 2025
Have a break and take some time from your desk to socialise and connect with the rest of the community. Read on for the 2025 social programme:
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