#United States #Peachtree Corners #Curiosity Lab #Mitsubishi UFJ

Peachtree Corners Collaborates with MUFG to Innovate Smart Cities

The City of Peachtree Corners, one of the pioneering smart cities in the United States, has recently unveiled a strategic partnership with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), a globally recognized financial institution. This collaboration aims to enhance the development and implementation of smart city technologies by leveraging advanced research, demonstrations, and practical applications of next-generation innovations.

This partnership is not just a transactional arrangement; it builds on a long-established relationship between the City of Peachtree Corners, Curiosity Lab, and MUFG. The initiative seeks to create a framework that fosters innovative transportation and smart city solutions, while also promoting economic growth within the vibrant community of Peachtree Corners. MUFG's extensive global presence, bolstered by its regional office in Atlanta, positions the financial group to support local and international innovators, providing them with the necessary resources and infrastructure for effective testing and deployment of technologies.

City Manager Brian Johnson emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “Through this collaboration, we are not merely establishing connections across sectors; we are constructing a launchpad for global smart city innovation. With MUFG's help, we've already attracted numerous promising companies to our city. This formal partnership will strengthen our efforts to ensure cutting-edge technologies are effectively tested, refined, and deployed for public benefit.”

Enhancing Innovation Through Infrastructure

As part of this alliance, MUFG will gain access to an expanding Innovation Center, which is set to grow to 50,000 square feet, effectively doubling the available space for research and development activities. This facility provides a fully operational 5G testing environment, including a specialized three-mile autonomous vehicle lane, a Town Center, and vital regional transport routes such as SR141. Furthermore, Peachtree Corners stands out by allowing partners to utilize city infrastructure without requiring any intellectual property or equity commitments. This flexibility is combined with robust cybersecurity measures, ensuring a safe environment for unclassified data handling.

MUFG will also have the opportunity to engage in the Curiosity Lab's unique incubator program. This program is designed to support both burgeoning startups and established firms, thereby paving the way for the advancement of innovative technologies in the smart city domain. By solidifying this partnership, MUFG and Peachtree Corners reinforce their mutual dedication to driving long-term innovation. Their shared goal is to create more efficient, safe, and interconnected smart city systems, benefiting not just their operations, but society as a whole.

MUFG’s active involvement in the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) projects ensures that they are well-positioned to connect innovative companies with Peachtree Corners, further promoting urban technological advancements on an international scale.

A Promising Future Ahead

“This agreement allows MUFG to better assist our clients by delivering unique opportunities for real-world innovation in the smart city landscape,” noted Yutaka Fujishiro, MUFG's Head of Japanese Corporate Banking. “We are excited to deepen our collaboration with Curiosity Lab and the City of Peachtree Corners to drive the future of connected urban development.”

The partnership was officially announced in a ceremony held at Peachtree Corners City Hall on July 1, 2025. Photos capturing the event highlight the enthusiasm surrounding this collaboration, promising an exciting future for both parties involved.

About MUFG

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) stands as one of the foremost financial groups worldwide, with its headquarters in Tokyo and a rich history extending over 360 years. The organization boasts a global reach with approximately 2,000 locations across more than 40 countries and employs around 140,000 individuals. They provide an array of services, including commercial banking, securities, trust banking, and asset management. MUFG aims to be known as the most trusted financial group globally, focusing on collaboration across its various segments.

About Peachtree Corners

Peachtree Corners is situated in the Atlanta metro region, often referred to as #SiliconOrchard. With over 45,000 residents and jobs, this thriving municipality is at the forefront of technological innovation. The city exemplifies how government and industry can collaborate more effectively to foster a sustainable future. Initiatives here include the first deployment of teleoperated e-scooters, fully autonomous shuttles, and the region's largest electric vehicle fast-charging hub—an illustration of their commitment to IoT and sustainable technologies.

About Curiosity Lab

Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners exists as a smart city living laboratory powered by 5G technology. Designed to serve as a testbed for IoT and mobility innovations, the lab features advanced infrastructure, including an autonomous vehicle lane driven by cellular vehicle-to-everything technologies. Owned by the City of Peachtree Corners, Curiosity Lab is one of North America's few real-world testing environments, open for free community use.