AcceliCITY reduces the risk and cost of innovation for cities, corporations and startups alike. AcceliCITY connects cities with globally sourced Smart City solutions that have been vetted, verified and validated. With more than 500 applications again this year, from 43 countries, Leading Cities is able to create transformational change in cities while advancing the world’s Smart City ecosystem.
Selected semi-finalists will participate in a web-based curriculum hosted by international business, civic and academic leaders. Selected finalists will be invited to a Smart City Boot Camp in Boston, USA consisting of workshops tailored to the opportunities and challenges in the business-to-government space. The week culminates with a Pitch Day to showcase these innovative solutions to potential and future clients, partners, investors, and mentors.
Key dates of AcceliCITY 2019
Application Deadline: April 30th
Web-based Programming: June 1st – July 15th
Smart City Boot Camp: September 30th – October 4th
Pitch Day @ Venture Cafe: October 3rd, 5:30 pm Register Here
Real Results
- Paid pilot projects with New Bedford (USA) and Mount Pearl (Canada)
- Applicants will also compete to be selected for fast-tracking to the Urban Resilience Challenge. Those selected will automatically advance to the semi-finalist stage and compete for a 1st Place prize of $75,000 and 2nd Place prize of $25,000.
- Direct contact with international business users, clients, investors, partners, and policymakers.
- Access to globally recognized Smart City experts
- Leading Cities’ proven track record of successful policy design and implementation
- Leading Cities’ tools, channels, and know-how to implement your solution in cities worldwide
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AcceliCITY 2019 Tracks
1) General Track
Open to any and all Smart City solution providers addressing urban challenges. All startups selected to AcceliCITY participates in the General Track and compete for fast-track entrance into the Urban Resilience Challenge for a chance to win up to $100,000 in cash prizes.
2) Smart Water Track hosted by the City of Mount Pearl, Canada
This track will focus on advanced technologies that support one or all of the primary objectives:
– monitoring water quality
– monitoring water consumption
– reducing water consumption and/or leakage
The winner of this track will be selected by the City of Mount Pearl to conduct a paid pilot project in the city.
3) Smart Mobility Track hosted by the City of New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
This track will focus on advanced technologies that support one or both of the primary objectives:
– reducing car congestion through multi-modal transportation solutions
– smart parking solutions
The winner of this track will be selected by the City of New Bedford to conduct a pilot in the city.
How Smart City Startups Benefit
Funding
Winners of Smart Mobility and Smart Water Tracks will receive the opportunity to implement a paid pilot project in the city hosting the Smart Challenge.
Applicants will also compete to be selected for fast-tracking to the Urban Resilience Challenge. Those selected will automatically advance to the semi-finalist stage and compete for a 1st Place prize of $75,000 and 2nd Place prize of $25,000.
Each Finalist will be given €5,500 of in-kind marketing services from the leading global smart city network “bee smart city“, connecting smart city solutions with over 940 cities and communities.
Zero percent (0%) equity is required to participate in AcceliCITY.
Mentorship
Leading Cities leverages its global network of Smart City leaders in business, academia, and government to provide invaluable advice, insights, and opportunities to both Semi-finalists and Finalists. Mentorship opportunities vary from webinars to workshops and may include one-on-one meetings during the Smart City Boot Camp in Boston.
Investor Network
AcceliCITY leverages Leading Cities’ partnerships, including a network of more than 700 investors, representing almost 100 investment firms. Collectively, these firms invest billions of dollars annually in startups around the world.
Global Network
Leading Cities is a network of municipalities, city leaders, academic institutions, businesses and community leaders around the world. The AcceliCITY program provides critical insights, access, and opportunities for Smart City startups seeking projects and clients globally.
Alumni Opportunities
As a “graduate” of the AcceliCITY program, Smart City startups will have continued opportunities to build on their experience and secure the funding, clients, and partnerships needed for long-term success. Active Alumni will continue to benefit from the ongoing support of AcceliCITY, Leading Cities and its partners.
AcceliCITY Education Program
AcceliCITY programming is provided by global Smart City experts and is specifically tailored each year to meet the needs and interests of the current cohort. Sample programming includes:
Doing business with municipalities | Developing corporate partnerships | Smart City startup funding | Business Development | Executing go-to-market strategies | Powering Up Your Pitch | And more…
Interested in being a mentor? Here is a link to the Mentor Application.
Meet AcceliCITY Alumni
Sample Mentors
Partners:
Leading Cities ™ 