Colorado Smart Cities Alliance Launches Third Annual C2 Challenge Seeking Technology Solutions for Colorado Communities
Innovators are Encouraged to Submit Ideas for the Opportunity to Implement Solutions with Government Partners
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Denver, CO [June 28, 2023] – The Colorado Smart Cities Alliance (Alliance) today launched the third annual C² Challenge seeking innovative technology solutions that address three specific problems faced by Colorado communities: accessibility, safe streets and public safety. Companies and universities with an applicable solution are invited to submit a proposal by August 4th for a chance to work with Colorado jurisdictions to implement their next-generation solution in local communities.
11 of Colorado’s most innovative governments will collaboratively evaluate proposed solutions and select those that uniquely address the issue in their community. Winners of the C² Challenge will have the opportunity to demonstrate their solution with at least one community in Colorado.
This is a unique opportunity for solution providers to collaborate directly with smart cities in Colorado to develop and test their idea in a real-world environment while also gaining exposure within the Alliance network of more than 70 public, private, academic and allied members.
Confirmed public sector participants thus far include the following jurisdictions: Arapahoe County, City of Aspen, City of Centennial, City of Colorado Springs, Commerce City, City and County of Denver, City of Greeley, Jefferson County, City of Lone Tree, Denver International Airport and Arapahoe Libraries. Additional governments may be announced as the challenge progresses. This challenge will prioritize low cost solutions, with costs being capped at $25,000. An information session for solution providers will be held on July 13th.
“The C² Challenge is a model for civic innovation that manages the risk of smart cities investment through collaborative partnerships. It offers a distinct opportunity for governments, business and academia to learn from one another by testing new ideas through practical application,” said Alliance Executive Director Tyler Svitak. “We hope the solutions that come through the Challenge help improve Colorado’s quality of life, and that the process fosters smarter government across Colorado. ”
Last year, the C² Challenge received 87 proposals from all over the world. Of those solutions, 11 winners were selected and given the opportunity to demonstrate their solutions in various Colorado communities. The past success of the Alliance’s civic innovation challenges demonstrates the importance of this model in encouraging collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The C² Challenge enables urban and rural communities to leverage a collaborative approach to explore, vet and implement regionally applicable solutions through an outcome-driven process. This open and competitive process allows governments to have an opportunity to learn about the many different tools available to them in tackling complex challenges while exploring a new process for identifying potential solutions.
To submit a solution for consideration or for more information, visit the C² Challenge webpage or contact Alliance Senior Marketing & Communications Manager Chelsea Barrett at chelsea@coloradosmart.city.
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The Colorado Smart Cities Alliance is the first statewide organization of its kind, bringing together government, businesses and allied organizations to improve life for all Coloradans. The organization accelerates civic innovation in Colorado through partnership building, research education and consulting. The Alliance has over 70 public and private sector members, all of which are interested in collaborating to test new solutions to pressing challenges in our communities.
Contact
Chelsea Barrett
Colorado Smart Cities Alliance
chelsea@coloradosmart.city
720.213.8238
