Communitech Fast Track Cities, in collaboration with the City of Kitchener and the Municipal Innovation Council and its member municipalities of Bruce County, is inviting Canadian tech companies to propose solutions that can help streamline operations and improve service delivery, with benefits extending to cities, communities and the broader economy.
The four-month collaborative program brings together public, private and tech partners with Canada’s top tech founders to use trusted innovation to solve problems in the movement of people and goods.
“We’re excited to collaborate with the City of Kitchener and the Municipal Innovation Council to build a supportive ecosystem for founders while harnessing the power of Canadian tech innovation,” said Kevin Tuer, Chief Technology Officer at Communitech. “Our Fast Track model connects tech leaders with municipal partners to drive more efficient and impactful solutions. This collaborative approach benefits tech founders, public services, and communities across Canada.”
Through its Pitch Kitchener program, the City of Kitchener is focused on working with local vendors and startups to find innovative ways to improve city service delivery. With $100,000 in funding available for pilot projects, the city is seeking solutions to the following challenges:
- Inspection of larger sanitary trunk sewer systems
- Autonomous technology solutions
“I regularly hear from our innovation community about the challenges of engaging with government early in the start-up and scale-up process. The City of Kitchener’s partnership with Communitech Fast Track Cities through our Pitch Kitchener initiative will begin to address that, providing a unique way to advance our strategic goals while better collaborating with startups to solve some of our city’s most pressing challenges,” said Berry Vrbanovic, City of Kitchener Mayor.
The Municipal Innovation Council (MIC), made up of seven municipalities in Bruce County, is seeking smart solutions for these community challenges:
- Tech for Tourism Management
- AI for Administrative Efficiency
“By leveraging public-private collaborations, the MIC will further our strategic capabilities toward digitally transformed government as we engage in new practices that challenge the status quo,” said Kara Van Myall, Chair of the Municipal Innovation Council. “This open invitation to tech companies is intended to encourage an open environment for innovation leading to tangible benefits for our communities through the better management and administration of our local services.”
In addition to the challenges presented by the City of Kitchener and the MIC, there is a general open call for innovative transportation and mobility solutions for all communities.
Canadian companies are invited to submit their applications by Oct. 3. After careful deliberation by a panel of partners and industry experts, the companies with the strongest solutions will be selected and announced on Oct. 25.
Selected companies for this round will pitch their solutions to a live audience of potential collaborators on Nov. 21 where they will have the chance to win up to $25,000 in prizes.
Selected companies will also receive coaching from Communitech’s experienced growth coaches, feedback from potential end-users and the opportunity to meet with municipal partners.
Register to attend the Fast Track Cities Showcase event on Nov. 21, 2024.
About Communitech
Communitech helps founders start, grow and succeed. Established in 1997, our mission has been our guide ever since. We are doubling down on our commitment to elevate Waterloo Region as an innovation hub on the global stage. A strong and vibrant region is essential for a prosperous province and resilient nation. Firmly rooted in our commitment to Tech for Good®, we collaborate with tech communities from coast to coast to create growth opportunities for our founders. With a unified support network, we are shaping a future where Canadian tech sets trends and sparks inspiration worldwide. Our superpower is the ability to connect, convene and catalyze: we bring people, opportunities and resources together, create space for collaboration and partnerships, and provide the tools and support tech companies need to scale.
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