Global law firm Dentons has partnered with IBI Group and other big names in the technology and development industries on the Smart City Sandbox initiative.

Led by IBI Group, the Sandbox is a group of entities from the public and private sectors that have joined forces to foster innovative new products and solutions focused on improving the quality of life in urban environments. Partners in the group also include EllisDon, Ontario Power Generation, Ontario Centre of Innovation, Multiplex, The Weather Network, Slate Asset Management, and Microsoft.

Dentons brings expertise in legal information related to topics in the smart cities sector, such as privacy, technological innovation and public policy. The firm also has also launched its Smart Cities Think Tank, a forum for developing solutions for prosperous cities and communities.

“We are honoured to partner with IBI in the Sandbox,” said Dentons Canadian Smart Cities Think Tank Lead, Kat Sliwa. “Through the Dentons Smart Cities Think Tank, and as a polycentric law firm with clients around the world, we have a long-standing history of bringing together superb resources, innovators, government and industry leaders, reinforcing our commitment to do our part in cultivating the next generation of sustainable, efficient, innovative and equitable services in smart cities.”

The vision of the Smart City Sandbox is to cultivate the next generation of smart buildings and infrastructure in cities.

It offers entrepreneurs and start-ups an opportunity to explore new technologies and innovations, while gaining access to expert knowledge, data, mentoring, and potential funding and routes to market through Sandbox partners.

Developed by IBI Group, and designed in-house by its corporate interiors team, the physical Sandbox at 55 St. Clair Avenue West in Toronto was transformed into a dynamic virtual environment as a result of the pandemic, through a digital twin model designed by IBI’s technology professionals.

The virtual Sandbox, meanwhile, offers community members the unique opportunity to increase the profile of their brand and latest smart city advances by leveraging a curated digital space alongside themed programming and events.