COMMUNITECH FAST TRACK CITIES
Call for solutions
Canadian tech companies with innovative solutions are encouraged to submit their solutions
Selected companies for this round will receive coaching from Communitech growth coaches, feedback from potential end-users and have the chance to win up to $25k at the Solutions Showcase pitch event.
Apply Now
Applications close October 3, 2024
City of Kitchener
Challenge: Inspection of larger sanitary trunk sewer systems
Cities encounter technical and logistical obstacles with the collection of inspection videos (CCTV) for larger (>600 mm in diameter) sanitary trunk sewer systems. The high flows, limited accessibility and long inspection runs have presented limitations that are beyond the capability of standard video inspection equipment.
How may we reinvent how we manage these invaluable assets?
Challenge: Autonomous technology solutions
The City is looking to expand its autonomous adoption and other supporting technologies which could impact day-to-day delivery and operations. This could be autonomous robots for grass cutting, delivery vehicles, robot assistants, etc.
How could city service delivery improve by harnessing autonomous technology in city operations?
Municipal Innovation Council
Challenge: Tech for tourism management
Tourism influxes and increased workloads in Bruce County municipalities strain resources and complicate operations. Traffic, waste management and emergency services are under pressure, and visitors risk being turned away after long drives due to overcrowding. To support economic development, communities need a technology solution that reduces staff workload and provides residents and visitors with instant access to information. These communities are seeking the tools for real-time capacity monitoring and communication methods to manage overcrowding during peak tourism.
How might we use technology to enhance service delivery and create a better experience for residents and tourists?
Challenge: AI for administrative efficiency
The rapid advancement of technologies, particularly AI, presents both opportunities and challenges for municipalities. Municipalities are experiencing increasing demands on time and capacity in complex problem areas, however staff are burdened with administrative tasks, limiting the ability to focus on strategic initiatives. Utilizing available tools, like AI, to aid in improving efficiency and supporting municipal operations could minimize costs, increase staff capacity and improve community service delivery.
In what ways can AI solutions be used to streamline administrative tasks, increase staff capacity and enhance the efficiency of municipal operations?
General open call: Innovating transportation and mobility solutions for all communities
Cities and communities of all sizes face increasing challenges related to transportation and mobility, such as traffic congestion, limited public transit options, aging infrastructure and the need for safer, more sustainable travel methods. As these areas grow, there is a critical need to improve traffic flow, enhance accessibility to public transit, reduce carbon emissions and ensure equitable transportation access for all residents.
How can technology solutions help address these challenges and create smarter, more efficient and sustainable mobility systems for diverse communities?
Ready to apply?
Apply via the Upplift Platform in two steps: set up your profile, then apply to multiple challenges without re-entering your details.
Applications close October 3, 2024.
Watch the following video for instructions on completing your application.
When submitting your innovation, please click Add solution and include description and details.
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FAQ
The program focuses on the challenges identified by municipal and transportation sector partners, in an effort to surface solutions with the end goal of commercialization through piloting and procurement opportunities.
- Working with both tech leaders and industry partners, we explore the landscape to shape the focus of the collaborative.
- Together, we define the most relevant and pressing challenges faced by the transportation industry.
- We issue a call for solutions to the tech community and select qualifying Canadian companies to address the challenges identified.
- Companies selected to pitch will be awarded a free Communitech membership* (for those not currently members) offering access to valuable feedback and connections with partners, coaches and advisors, all facilitated by the Communitech team.
- Companies selected to participate in the program will present their solutions at a hybrid showcase event designed to gain exposure and make connections with the invaluable community and industry leaders in attendance
- We facilitate introductions between founders and partners and provide support in navigating next steps, with the end goal of commercialization of made-in-Canada solutions through piloting and procurement.
*Free memberships will be offered until next renewal date following selection.
Fast Track programs are open to any Canadian tech company with a solution to the proposed challenges.
No. Those selected to pitch will be awarded a free Communitech membership until the next annual renewal date to ensure all selected companies have access to valuable feedback, growth coaching, and connections with partners and advisors before the showcase pitch event.
Challenge cycles from problem statement development to showcase pitch events are approximately 4 months long. Each challenge cycle will have a specific focus area (i.e., movement of goods). The process for companies successfully pursuing pilots with partners will vary in length of time depending on preparedness and needs of industry/municipal partners.
Yes. We strongly encourage you to re-apply should you not be selected for the first cycle.
Challenge statements will be different for each cycle
