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At the cutting edge of urban innovation sits Curiosity Lab, a groundbreaking "living laboratory" in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, just outside Atlanta. Brandon Branham, who serves as both Assistant City Manager/CTO for the city and Executive Director/CTO for Curiosity Lab, is pioneering a new model for how municipalities can accelerate technological advancement.

Unlike traditional testing facilities, Curiosity Lab offers something revolutionary: free access to actual city infrastructure – roads, sidewalks, traffic signals, and fiber networks – where companies can test and validate emerging technologies in authentic environments with real human interactions. Since opening in 2019, this nonprofit has attracted 175 companies ranging from startups to global corporations, all seeking to perfect their innovations in a genuine urban setting.

The diversity of projects is remarkable. Underground hyper-logistics delivery systems run beneath the streets. AI-powered streetlights gather usage data on playground equipment. Autonomous vehicles operate without drivers. Smart pedestrian crosswalks automatically detect people in crosswalks without requiring button activation and even provide audio warnings when unsafe vehicles approach. Each innovation addresses real-world challenges facing cities worldwide.

What truly distinguishes Curiosity Lab is its community integration. Rather than isolating experimental technologies, the lab embraces public engagement through school visits, demonstrations at community events, and transparent communication. This approach not only demystifies emerging technologies but also cultivates public trust and acceptance. When people experience an autonomous vehicle firsthand, initial skepticism often transforms into appreciation for its safety advantages.

Looking ahead, Curiosity Lab continues expanding with new facilities focused on public safety technology, AI in manufacturing, and sustainable transportation solutions. Through partnerships with Georgia Tech and other institutions, they're creating bridges between academic research and practical application, ensuring innovations benefit from both theoretical insight and real-world testing.

Want to test your technology in a living laboratory? Reach out through their website – they can typically get companies deployed within just nine days, an unprecedented timeline for public infrastructure access. Discover how Curiosity Lab is shaping the cities of tomorrow by embracing innovation today.

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Behind the Scenes at Curiosity Lab: Atlanta's Real-World Tech Testing Ground 22:49 Share

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Behind the Scenes at Curiosity Lab: Atlanta's Real-World Tech Testing Ground