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September At the conclusion of SmartUp Week, the Top 10 solutions are selected to advance to the final round of the AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge. These finalists are chosen based on a comprehensive evaluation of their business plan, financial models, pitch delivery, and proposed city pilot. They move forward with greater visibility, deeper support, and the opportunity to compete for funding and pilot implementation.

September At the conclusion of SmartUp Week, the Top 10 solutions are selected to advance to the final round of the AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge. These finalists are chosen based on a comprehensive evaluation of their business plan, financial models, pitch delivery, and proposed city pilot. They move forward with greater visibility, deeper support, and the opportunity to compete for funding and

4. Top 10 Solutions Selected

SmartCityX

Michael Proman

November The Resilience Challenge culminates with a virtual final pitch event where Finalists pitch their solution to a board of global experts in charge of determining the winners. Past judges include leaders from the World Economic Forum, the Clinton Global Initiative, the United Nations, and Arsht Rockefeller Resilience Center.

November The Resilience Challenge culminates with a virtual final pitch event where Finalists pitch their solution to a board of global experts in charge of determining the winners. Past judges include leaders from the World Economic Forum, the Clinton Global Initiative, the United Nations, and Arsht Rockefeller Resilience Center.

6. Pitch Competition

Syrinx

"Leading Cities and the AcceliCITY program was incredibly helpful for Circuit.&nbsp;From high level advice on navigating cities and RFP processes, to deeper dives into our pitch, story and products, we learned a lot.&nbsp;Circuit, an electric shuttle service, also worked on a pilot EV shuttle program on The Seaport in Boston and the team at Leading Cities has remained helpful even after the program ended. There are few organizations that face the challenge of connecting innovative start-ups with large public customers and AcceliCITY has done a great job all around."&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Leading Cities and the AcceliCITY program was incredibly helpful for Circuit. From high level advice on navigating cities and RFP processes, to deeper dives into our pitch, story and products, we learned a lot. Circuit, an electric shuttle service, also worked on a pilot EV shuttle program on The Seaport in Boston and the team at Leading Cities has remained helpful even after the program ended.

Alexander Esposito

Gain access to an array of vetted global experts eager to build your business in areas such as marketing, fundraising, and networking.

Gain access to an array of vetted global experts eager to build your business in areas such as marketing, fundraising, and networking.

Mentorship

"Accelicity is a great learning and networking experience."

"Accelicity is a great learning and networking experience."

Green Stream

Up to $150,000 in cash and paid pilots

... exposure to new possible customers..., Professional feedback from experts, ...Interaction with the finalists, that can lead to possible collaboration."

... exposure to new possible customers..., Professional feedback from experts, ...Interaction with the finalists, that can lead to possible collaboration."

 Sadeem

QBE

Lucas Miller

Facebook

Ethos Labs

Abhi Nemani

 Intelligent AI

City of Richmond

Andreas Addison

With a Net Promoter Score of 86, QBE AcceliCITY is considered a world-class program

With a Net Promoter Score of 86, QBE AcceliCITY is considered a world-class program

86 NPS

Regional Development Australia

Kerry Grace

The Atlas

Elle Hempen

Michael Mahan

Honeywell

Mirel Sehic

GROW

“Carbon Upcycling Technologies was honored to receive the Resiliency Track cash prize which helped purchase new carbon utilization reactors that are located at the Alberta Carbon Conversion Technology Centre and used as part of our demonstration for the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE. The support received during Leading Cities’ program was very helpful for tailoring our business model and refining our pitch. In addition to the weekly workshops, the Leading Cities team supported us in marketing our technology and was very supportive of startup development”&nbsp;

“Carbon Upcycling Technologies was honored to receive the Resiliency Track cash prize which helped purchase new carbon utilization reactors that are located at the Alberta Carbon Conversion Technology Centre and used as part of our demonstration for the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE. The support received during Leading Cities’ program was very helpful for tailoring our business model and refining our

Madison Savilow

"... its a great conduit to cities worldwide."

"... its a great conduit to cities worldwide."

Polis

QBE AcceliCITY has been recognized as one of the Top 5 GovTech Accelerators in the world

QBE AcceliCITY has been recognized as one of the Top 5 GovTech Accelerators in the world

Top 5

Discover the benefits of knowledge spillovers and finding the right connections through LaunchPad 11's unique virtual clustering opportunities

Discover the benefits of knowledge spillovers and finding the right connections through LaunchPad 11's unique virtual clustering opportunities

Virtual Clustering

May - June ‍In the first round of the AcceliCITY curriculum, 100 startups are chosen as semi-finalists to participate in the web-based portion of the program.

May - June ‍In the first round of the AcceliCITY curriculum, 100 startups are chosen as semi-finalists to participate in the web-based portion of the program.

1. Top 100 Selected

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority&nbsp;

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority 

Emily Yates

Year-long Access Our certified curriculum is designed for smart city innovators, providing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Readiness certification upon completion. Led by international experts, these weekly sessions cover critical topics like navigating public procurement, winning no-bid government contracts, and securing smart city investors, equipping startups with the tools to scale and succeed.

Year-long Access Our certified curriculum is designed for smart city innovators, providing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Readiness certification upon completion. Led by international experts, these weekly sessions cover critical topics like navigating public procurement, winning no-bid government contracts, and securing smart city investors, equipping startups with the tools to scale and

2. City Partner Certification

Julie Lien

"Definitely worthy of a founder's limited time."

"Definitely worthy of a founder's limited time."

ITsimple

FreeWind Productions

Danielle Duplin

Twitter

September﻿SmartUp Week is a signature feature of the AcceliCITY program, where the Top 50 startups are matched with one-on-one virtual mentoring sessions led by experts from the global Smart and Resilient City ecosystem. Each session provides tailored guidance, industry insights, and potential connections that help entrepreneurs strengthen their solutions and accelerate their impact.

September ﻿ SmartUp Week is a signature feature of the AcceliCITY program, where the Top 50 startups are matched with one-on-one virtual mentoring sessions led by experts from the global Smart and Resilient City ecosystem. Each session provides tailored guidance, industry insights, and potential connections that help entrepreneurs strengthen their solutions and accelerate their impact.

3. SmartUp Week

Since our launch in 2018 the total funding QBE AcceliCITY Alumni have raised now exceeds $1 billion!

Since our launch in 2018 the total funding QBE AcceliCITY Alumni have raised now exceeds $1 billion!

$1 Billion Raised

"Leading Cities has been an invaluable support to Bioo throughout all of the program. Not only was the financial support helpful, but the team was continuously trying to find opportunities for the growth of Bioo. The support after the program end was astonishing as well, with a multitude of new introductions being realized by the team. We feel grateful for all the assistance that this program provided and would love to see it grow and help more great companies.”&nbsp;

"Leading Cities has been an invaluable support to Bioo throughout all of the program. Not only was the financial support helpful, but the team was continuously trying to find opportunities for the growth of Bioo. The support after the program end was astonishing as well, with a multitude of new introductions being realized by the team. We feel grateful for all the assistance that this program

Martin Kravchenko

October Selected startups move on to participate in a virtual boot camp, an intensive week of hands-on workshops designed to equip teams with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to succeed in the competitive Smart and Resilient City space. From refining business models to strengthening public-private partnership strategies, this experience helps startups sharpen their approach and prepare for real-world implementation and growth.

October Selected startups move on to participate in a virtual boot camp, an intensive week of hands-on workshops designed to equip teams with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to succeed in the competitive Smart and Resilient City space. From refining business models to strengthening public-private partnership strategies, this experience helps startups sharpen their approach and prepare

5. Virtual Boot Camp

LaunchPad 11 hosts an array of city-focused events, in which officials from cities around the world network with start-ups and discuss urban challenges and innovative solutions.

LaunchPad 11 hosts an array of city-focused events, in which officials from cities around the world network with start-ups and discuss urban challenges and innovative solutions.

City Connections

"I'm learning how to create a proposal for a pilot project while competing for a pilot project worth $100k. It doesn't get more exciting than that!"

"I'm learning how to create a proposal for a pilot project while competing for a pilot project worth $100k. It doesn't get more exciting than that!"

Redactable

"Thanks to the guidance and support we received from Leading Cities, we improved our branding, which has been fundamental for business’ success. We have transformed our technological solution into a product with an objective business model that clearly demonstrates all the advantages of the INFRACITIES system and opportunities that it generates. Leading Cities also did a great deal to increase our visibility, especially in the USA, where INFRACITIES is in the implementation phase, thus enabling its expansion in one of the largest global markets."

"Thanks to the guidance and support we received from Leading Cities, we improved our branding, which has been fundamental for business’ success. We have transformed our technological solution into a product with an objective business model that clearly demonstrates all the advantages of the INFRACITIES system and opportunities that it generates. Leading Cities also did a great deal to increase our

Aloisio Pereira da Silva

New England CFO Strategies

Suzanne Oakley

BeeSmartCity

Thomas Mueller

Linkedin

Plug n' Play

Tanya Tongwaranan

﻿MarketPlace.city

Andrew Watkins

with clients, investors and partners

CONNECT

Street Smart Entrepreneur

Scotty Schindler

 Itselectric

"Leading Cities has been tremendously helpful guiding and connecting us to Smart Cities looking for a simple, high-tech and sustainable parking management solution. The AcceliCITY Smart Mobility competition we won in 2019 awarded us our first Smart City contract with the city of New Bedford, Massachusetts and we could not have done it without the Leading Cities platform and network. Michael Lake and his team were there every step of the way to guide us into the world of municipal contracts and smart city solutions. Thank you Leading Cities!"&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Leading Cities has been tremendously helpful guiding and connecting us to Smart Cities looking for a simple, high-tech and sustainable parking management solution. The AcceliCITY Smart Mobility competition we won in 2019 awarded us our first Smart City contract with the city of New Bedford, Massachusetts and we could not have done it without the Leading Cities platform and network. Michael Lake

Rocky Vitali

"It's a great ecosystem for startups from around the world to participate and learn."

"It's a great ecosystem for startups from around the world to participate and learn."

FortyGuard

QBE AcceliCITY is a global program with hundreds of applicants from countries around the world.

QBE AcceliCITY is a global program with hundreds of applicants from countries around the world.

70+ Countries

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4. Finalists Selected

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3. Mentor Week

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Pilot Projects have proven to be the best opportunity for emerging solutions to enter the marketplace, provide a proof of concept, and build trust-based relationships with city leaders.

Pilot Projects have proven to be the best opportunity for emerging solutions to enter the marketplace, provide a proof of concept, and build trust-based relationships with city leaders.

Why Pilot Projects

For cities, QBE AcceliCITY serves to mitigate the risk that often comes with innovation by connecting local governments with globally sourced, expert-vetted Smart &amp; Resilient City solutions. With hundreds of applications each year, from upwards of 70 countries, QBE AcceliCITY’s vetting process serves to bring forth the best and most prepared solution providers, ready to tackle the pressing urban challenges facing cities today. Through QBE AcceliCITY, Leading Cities builds confidence in city leaders to execute innovative solutions bolstering community resilience in a time when it is needed most.

For cities, QBE 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 70 countries, QBE AcceliCITY’s vetting process serves to bring forth the best and most prepared solution providers, ready to tackle the pressing urban

Value to Cities

Resources﻿

There are many metrics Leading Cities uses to measure the impact and success of our QBE AcceliCITY program. These are but a few of the countless ways that QBE AcceliCITY has shaped entrepreneurs, ventures, and communities.

There are many metrics Leading Cities uses to measure the impact and success of our QBE AcceliCITY program. These are but a few of the countless ways that QBE AcceliCITY has shaped entrepreneurs, ventures, and communities.

 QBE AcceliCITY by the Numbers

Our program offers a certified curriculum designed specifically for smart city innovators. Completion of this program earns a certification in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Readiness, equipping startups with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully navigate city procurement, secure partnerships, and scale urban solutions.

Our program offers a certified curriculum designed specifically for smart city innovators. Completion of this program earns a certification in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Readiness, equipping startups with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully navigate city procurement, secure partnerships, and scale urban solutions.

Sample Curriculum

Partnership narrative to come soon

The entire QBE AcceliCITY program is conducted virtually over 6 months of intensive and immersive learning and growth. From our unique B2G curriculum, mentoring, and engagements with city leaders to a distinguished panel of global leaders as judges, the QBE AcceliCITY program propels participants toward greater and faster successes.

The entire QBE AcceliCITY program is conducted virtually over 6 months of intensive and immersive learning and growth. From our unique B2G curriculum, mentoring, and engagements with city leaders to a distinguished panel of global leaders as judges, the QBE AcceliCITY program propels participants toward greater and faster successes.

Program Timeline

QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge

Hear from QBE AcceliCITY Alumni

QBE is an international insurer and reinsurer with a local presence in 27 countries. Founded in 1886, by two entrepreneurs who started a marine insurance company in Townsville, Australia to give early pioneers a safeguard against uncertainty. Since then, QBE has grown and evolved offering commercial, personal and specialty products and risk management solutions to help people and businesses manage risks, build strength and embrace change to their advantage. QBE's purpose is to enable a more resilient future. That's why they are excited to be partnering with Leading Cities to run the QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge. Visit them at <a href="https://www.qbe.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">www.qbe.com</a><a href="https://www.qbe.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> </a>to find out more about how they can help businesses like yours.

QBE is an international insurer and reinsurer with a local presence in 27 countries. Founded in 1886, by two entrepreneurs who started a marine insurance company in Townsville, Australia to give early pioneers a safeguard against uncertainty. Since then, QBE has grown and evolved offering commercial, personal and specialty products and risk management solutions to help people and businesses manage

About Our Partner

Past Highlights

QBE AcceliCITY Humanitarian Challenge

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

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

A program built to drive City Excellence through Startup Success.

Aqua Solar Aria 

Flash Scientific Technology

GoodMaps

ItsElectric

SmartAcqua Solutions

StrataSite

Sustainaccount

Urban Sky

“Uma viagem por vários mundos do empreendedorismo”

Chosen from over 650 startups originating from over 80 countries, these three companies have proven their commitment to resilience and sustainability, becoming the recipients of the $100,000 or $25,000 prizes.

Chosen from over 650 startups originating from over 80 countries, these three companies have proven their commitment to resilience and sustainability, becoming the recipients of the $100,000 or $25,000 prizes.

Meet our 2023 AcceliCITY Champions

For Cities

In these difficult times, we recognize a need to build more resilient and risk-averse cities. To help toward that end, we have developed a unique collaboration to encourage entrepreneurs across the world whose ventures can effectively manage and respond to an evolving environment of physical, economic, and social risk

In these difficult times, we recognize a need to build more resilient and risk-averse cities. To help toward that end, we have developed a unique collaboration to encourage entrepreneurs across the world whose ventures can effectively manage and respond to an evolving environment of physical, economic, and social risk

The QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge

The AcceliCITY Top 100 Resilience Solutions will receive a free one-year membership to LaunchPad 11,&nbsp;the world's first virtual Smart City cluster where cities, investors, and solution providers converge. All AcceliCITY curriculum and networking events will take place on LaunchPad 11, providing participants with an array of powerful opportunities.

The AcceliCITY Top 100 Resilience Solutions will receive a free one-year membership to LaunchPad 11, the world's first virtual Smart City cluster where cities, investors, and solution providers converge. All AcceliCITY curriculum and networking events will take place on LaunchPad 11, providing participants with an array of powerful opportunities.

Gain Access to the First Virtual Incubator for Smart City Solutions

AcceliCITY is a global program that seeks out the best and brightest entrepreneurs who are working on solutions that address the challenges of urban living. Our focus is on smart city solutions that tackle risk, equity, and sustainability in cities around the world.﻿‍ Our goal is to provide entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and support they need to turn their ideas into successful businesses. We believe that by leveraging technology and innovation, we can create more livable, equitable, and sustainable cities for all.

AcceliCITY is a global program that seeks out the best and brightest entrepreneurs who are working on solutions that address the challenges of urban living. Our focus is on smart city solutions that tackle risk, equity, and sustainability in cities around the world.﻿‍ Our goal is to provide entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and support they need to turn their ideas into successful

Our commitment 

Reducing Risk &amp; Cost of City&nbsp;Innovation

Leveraging a network of global experts to evaluate and vet smart city solution providers municipalities are able to access some of the world’s leading solutions.

Program Benefits

QBE AcceliCITY is one of the Top 5 GovTech 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, direct interaction with city leaders, free access to our virtual LaunchPad 11 global community, and an intensive Boot Camp led by international business, government, and smart city leaders. QBE 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 pitch events where $150,000 in city pilot opportunities are awarded.

QBE AcceliCITY is one of the Top 5 GovTech 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, direct interaction with city leaders, free access to our virtual LaunchPad 11

What is QBE AcceliCITY?

Connecting communities with&nbsp;innovative solutions to build resilience, safety and sustainability in a changing world

For Startups