QBE Accelicity Resilience Challenge Finalists

Accelerating Innovation for Smarter, More Resilient Communities.

Discover the AcceliCITY Challenges

2020 Winners

City Solution of the Year

Pharem Biotech

$100,000 grant generously provided by QBE.

The general track was open to any and all Smart City solution providers addressing urban challenges.

City Resiliency Track

Carbon Upcycling

$25,000 grant generously provided by QBE.

The resiliency track was for solutions that address the resiliency of cities related to pandemics and a city’s reaction to those threats.

”From energy production and ending human trafficking to clean air and drone infrastructure, these solutions are extending the boundaries of our imagination and redefining the quality of life in urban centers.”

Michael Lake- President & CEO, Leading Cities

“At the heart of our QBE culture is taking care of people and fostering more resilient and sustainable communities. This charitable sponsorship is no different and we’re pleased to partner with Leading Cities to bring it to life.”

Todd Jones- CEO, QBE North America

2020 Finalists

2020 Semi-Finalists

Nominate a Company

Program Benefits

CONNECT

with clients, investors and partners

Grow

your venture’s sales readiness

WIN

Up to $150,000 in pre-paid pilots

A program built to drive City Excellence through Startup Success.

Facilitates sustainable growth, resiliency, and quality of life improvements for cities around the world by addressing the critical needs of smart city startups.

What is AcceliCITY?

AcceliCITY is one of the largest Smart and Resilient City startup accelerators in the world. It serves as a runway for emerging urban solution providers while simultaneously reducing the risk and cost of innovation for cities.

Throughout the course of the program, teams participate in a business-to-government focused web-based curriculum and intensive Boot Camp led by international business, government, and smart city leaders. AcceliCITY webinars and workshops are designed to help companies navigate the nuanced challenges of working with governments, distinguish and convey venture value, and network within an expansive Smart and Resilient City ecosystem. The program culminates with a final pitch event where up to $150,000 in city pilot opportunities are awarded.

Program Phases

5 months of intensive and immersive learning and growth

Semi-Finalists Selected

In the first round of the AcceliCITY curriculum, 50 startups are chosen as semi-finalists to participate in the web-based portion of the program.

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Web-based Curriculum

We cover a vast repertoire of essential topics specifically related to operating in the smart city industry. Webinars held twice a week are led by international business, government, and smart city leaders, and delve deep into subjects such as Navigating Public Procurement, Winning No-Bid Government Contracts, and Securing Smart City Investors.

Mentor Week

Semi-finalists receive one-on-one mentoring sessions with experts in entrepreneurship the global Smart and Resilient City industry. These meetings are curated by AcceliCITY so that the mentors’ expertise best matches the needs of the Semi-Finalist.

Finalists Selected

At the conclusion of mentor week, 10 to 15 Finalists are chosen to progress to the final round of the AcceliCITY curriculum. Finalists are chosen based on the quality of their business plan, financial models, pitch, and pilot proposal.

Boot Camp

Becoming an AcceliCITY Finalist involves attending a virtual boot camp. During the boot camp, startup team members undergo rigorous workshop exercises that are designed to outfit participants with the tools and experience needed to succeed in the competitive Smart and Resilient City market.

Pitch Competition

The QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge culminates with a final pitch event where Finalists complete the program by pitching their solution to a board of global experts in charge of determining the winners. Past judges include leaders from the World Economic Forum, the United Nations, and multinational corporations.

Value to Cities

For cities, AcceliCITY serves to mitigate the risk that often comes with innovation by connecting local governments with globally sourced, expert-vetted Smart & Resilient City solutions. With hundreds of applications each year, from upwards of 40 countries, AcceliCITY’s 2% acceptance rate serves to bring forth the best and most prepared solution providers, ready to tackle the pressing urban challenges facing cities today. Through AcceliCITY, Leading Cities builds confidence in city leaders to execute innovative solutions bolstering community resilience in a time when it is needed most.

More information:

accelicity@leadingcities.org

Phone: +1-617-506-3499