Join us from May 2 – June 16, 2022 for six-weeks, virtual and in-person, innovation competition where we create and celebrate innovative solutions that make our region smarter, livable, resilient, and sustainable for everyone. We invite people from all backgrounds to join and share their solutions for the future!

What solution do you see to help cities grow, operate, and meet population demands over the coming decades?

The Smart City Challenge is an innovative competition that convenes diverse, wide-ranging teams virtually in the following sectors: housing, transportation, health, water, food systems, education, broadband, infrastructure, energy, public safety, and more to address this question.

To participate, you can register as an individual or a team. Over a month, you will have the opportunity to hear from sector experts while creating your own innovative, high-impact solutions that will advance equitable and inclusive opportunities for all people to thrive in the greater Washington region. We encourage entrepreneurs, startups and students to join us and compete for prizes, including a $10,000 cash prize, pilot opportunities with Fairfax County and Dominion Energy, participation in Smart City Works and Dominion Innovation accelerator programs, membership at Refraction’s innovation hub, Amazon Web Services credits, and business coaching.

Prizes will be awarded based on innovation, equity and inclusivity, practicality of application and regional impact, as outlined in the judging criteria below.

Format

The Challenge will begin on May 2, with virtual keynotes and speed networking sessions (for those looking to join or field a team). Throughout the six weeks, we will host optional panels and thought leadership events. Participants are encouraged to meet with their team regularly and will be able to meet one on one with mentors to consult about their solutions.

Final judging and closing ceremonies will take place on June 16. Finalists will have 4 minutes to present a pitch deck and any additional material to a panel of judges. Please keep an eye on our events section for updated scheduling!

For any questions, please get in touch with us at smartcitychallenge@gmail.com

Information here