City of Syracuse Seeks Startups to Develop Innovative Solutions to Civic Challenges

Syracuse is home to some of the most innovative companies that have developed solutions and products that, quite literally, have changed the world. By tapping into this creative, solution-oriented spirit, the city of Syracuse hopes to develop technologies to address a variety of its civic challenges. This effort is a part of the city’s broad goal of developing a stronger, more connected community. We have already seen an initial commitment to programs through the city’s smart street poles initiative and its new dashboard metrics system. 

Through a new effort, the city will connect to innovators as part of its participation in the national program, Startup in Residence (STIR). Startups can review the more than 80 challenges on StartupinResidence.org in areas including data analytics, augmented reality, geo-services, mobility, and resiliency, and then apply to be a part of a 16-week, mostly remote program. Selected applicants will have the opportunity to work with the city of Syracuse or one of 30 local governments that are part of the STIR network. The application period runs until Nov. 7, with the program kicking off at the end of January.

I encourage any interested companies to respond to the city’s request for proposals at StartupinResidence.org. Let’s help drive continued progress for our community through creative solutions for our common civic challenges.         

Robert M. (Rob) Simpson is president and CEO of CenterState CEO, the primary economic-development organization for Central New York. This viewpoint is drawn and edited from the “CEO Focus” email newsletter that the organization sent to members on Oct. 11.