Challenge Areas Include Permit Transparency, Security Deposit Loans, Trauma Response, Snow-Covered Sidewalks, Trash and Debris Data
Syracuse, N.Y. – The City of Syracuse posted five civic challenges that it plans to address through its participation in the Startup in Residence (STIR) program. The challenges include permit transparency, security deposit loans, trauma response, snow-covered sidewalks, and trash and debris data collection and optimization.
“We worked alongside our city departments to identify concerns and propose challenges that need innovative or unique solutions that startups are most equipped to develop,” says Adria Finch, director of the Office of Accountability, Performance, and Innovation. “These challenges also coincide with larger city initiatives, such as our team’s work on housing stability and the municipal sidewalk snow-clearing pilot.”
This program also complements the City’s strategic planning process that began earlier this year, when the mayor and department heads developed a mission statement aiming to position the city as a model of innovation, deliver high quality customer experiences, and provide proactive and efficient service.
The City would like to invite local startups to participate in the Startup in Residence program. Startups can apply online at StartupinResidence.org to address one of the challenges posted by the City of Syracuse or another partner in the network. Through the program’s collaborative framework and streamlined procurement process, startups have the opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the challenges identified and to close a contract with a government agency.
The City of Syracuse is one of 31 government partners participating in the Startup in Residence program. Since 2014, nearly 50 startups from around the world have provided technology solutions to cities including San Francisco, Miami, and Houston.
Previous projects in the program have included working on issues such as streamlining the foster care application process, smart sensors on trash cans, homeless health services, volunteer engagement tools, and developing tools to assess the damage in the aftermath of an emergency like an earthquake or flooding.
Startups can go to StartupinResidence.org to apply for one or more of the 80+ challenges posted by the Startup in Residence network of government partners.
What is STIR: Startup in Residence (STIR) connects startups with government agencies to develop technology products that solve real civic challenges through a 16-week program. Run by City Innovate, STIR is now in 31 cities across the US and has worked with nearly 50 companies. See all the 2018 STIR team partnerships here. To learn more about Startup in Residence visit: https://startupinresidence.org.
