Three projects that “best exemplify Bristol as a city that excels in ideas that have the potential to change lives for the better” have been shortlisted for the second annual Bristol Genius Award.

The nominations are:

The Bristol Pound
“Bristol is offering other cities a social franchise model to spread the idea, providing open-source software and all necessary documentation to prevent others having to re-invent the wheel.”

Bristol Urban Pollinators
“In 2011 and 2012 flower meadows were planted in Bristol’s public parks, along road verges and roundabouts and in several schools, turning them into a haven for pollinating insects and a visually stunning floral display that people enjoy. In 2013 15 large flower meadows are being sown across the city.”

Ultra Global Ltd: Personal Rapid Transport
“Using small, driverless electric vehicles that run on designated guideways, the lightweight and flexible nature of the system enables it to be retrofitted into a broad range of environments and provide transportation that is environmentally friendly and operationally efficient.”

The winner of the first Bristol Genius award was the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, better known as Children of the 90s, a long-term research project that is assisting scientists all over the world with research into a wide range of health problems.

This year’s winner will be announced at the Festival of Ideas Awards Evening next week.