Tianjin, China, Deepens Commitment to Digital Infrastructure, Signs MOU with Current, powered by GE

TIANJIN, China, May 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Tianjin, China, is strengthening its commitment to digital infrastructure through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with GE's energy startup Current, powered by GE. The MOU outlines the intent to explore digital solutions that extend opportunities and outcomes for the city, including a wider installation of Current's intelligent LEDs and the creation of a digital incubation center within the central business district.

The proposed intelligent LED expansion follows a successful deployment of Current's connected fixtures in the central business district late last year, which have allowed the city to broadcast critical messages or advertising on attached digital screens and quickly connect citizens to the Internet. The streetlights also reduce lighting-related energy use by more than 50 percent. The MOU aims to extend that deployment to a wider area and add sensors and software that connect to Predix, GE's cloud platform for the Industrial Internet, to pull and analyze data driving additional outcomes, such as detecting real-time traffic patterns, pointing drivers to available parking spaces, or helping emergency responders react to situations before they arrive on scene.

To extend digital opportunities, the MOU also proposes a Current incubation center to facilitate ongoing innovation between city officials and Current teams and to serve as a demonstration area for businesses considering digital solutions, bringing additional investment to the region and further positioning Tianjin as a leader in progressive technology.

"The city of Tianjin, together with GE China, Current and our team at the Tianjin Innovative Finance Investment Co., understand the critical need to deploy sustainable, digital infrastructure that supports urban innovation," says Li Bo, chairman of the board of Tianjin Innovative Finance Investment Co., Ltd, the city's investment partner. "The intelligent LED deployment, the first of its kind in Asia, together with the digital incubation center, will propel benefits and outcomes for residents and position Tianjin a leader in forward-thinking technology."

"We look forward to continued partnership with Tianjin and its partners in the deployment of open, digital infrastructure that can be used for a variety of outcomes," says John Gordon, Current's Chief Digital Officer. "As the first in Asia to install our intelligent LEDs, Tianjin has proven itself as a progressive leader in digital adoption that holds benefit for many across the community."

About GE

GE (NYSE:GE) is the world's Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. GE is organized around a global exchange of knowledge, the "GE Store," through which each business shares and accesses the same technology, markets, structure and intellect. Each invention further fuels innovation and application across our industrial sectors. With people, services, technology and scale, GE delivers better outcomes for customers by speaking the language of industry. www.ge.com

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