The challenge, now in its sixth year, seeks to identify pioneering ideal addressing risk, equity and sustainability in urban environments.
The Smart City Track winners will receive up to $150,000 to fund a city pilot project, along with publicity, mentoring, and access to exclusive online courses. In addition to the primary Smart City challenge, this year introduces two specialized tracks: the Proptech Track and the Humanitarian Track.
The Proptech Track focuses on loss mitigation solutions that quickly identify or minimize potential hazards, reduce property damage effects, and decrease business disruptions or home evacuations.
The Humanitarian Track targets climate-related adaptation solutions, with an opportunity for participants to pilot their winning ideas in real-world settings through Australian Red Cross Humanitech, in collaboration with the Global Disaster Preparedness Centre and supported by the American Red Cross and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Chris Castaldo, CFO at QBE North America, commented “QBE is committed to taking tangible steps towards a more resilient future, so our communities are prepared and protected against evolving risks. Through the AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge, we can support and fund entrepreneurs from around the world who have practical ideas on how to address a range of challenges.”
This year’s challenge saw a boost in participation, garnering over 740 entries from 70 countries, a 14% rise from last year. Of the top 100 solutions advancing in the Smart City Track, half are from the Western Hemisphere and half from the Eastern Hemisphere. Additionally, ten entrepreneurs were selected for the Proptech Track, and eleven for the Humanitarian Track. These expert-vetted ideas offer solutions for clean water, renewable energy, urban agriculture, property protection, and community climate adaptation.
Mike Lake, Founder and CEO of Leading Cities, reflected: “The QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge’s reach discovers global solutions to real issues in our communities. We help these companies succeed by connecting them with mentors from our international network of smart city experts and city leaders, supporting their journey to create tangible and lasting positive impacts in communities worldwide.”
The 100 companies will now take part in a six-month, web-based curriculum featuring smart city leaders and industry experts. The finalists will then participate in the QBE AcceliCITY Boot Camp, competing for up to $150,000 to pilot their solutions in a community.
