IBM today announced a $50 million philanthropic initiative to donate technology and services to help 100 cities around the world. It's called the Smarter Cities Challenge.

The challenge is a competitive grant process. According to IBM, the company will send "its top experts to those cities that have made the strongest case for participating in Smarter Cities Challenge. IBM consultants will immerse themselves in local issues involving the administration of healthcare, education, safety, social services, transportation, communications, sustainability, budget management, energy, and utilities."

In preparation for the challenge, IBM embarked on pilot programs in three areas: Baltimore; Austin, Texas; and Mecklenburg County, North Carolina (Greater Charlotte). Cities who wish to apply for the grant can find more details here.

Here's some basic details on IBM in Baltimore. I'm waiting to see the fruits of their labor and what they recommended to Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

The mayor is featured in this IBM promo about the Smarter Cities Challenge. Pretty good plug for Baltimore coming from a huge company.