The Leading Cities’ AcceliCITY program is growing operations in ten countries and an international network of mentors, investors, and partners with ready access to decision-makers in city governments. The goal of the program is to connect a startups directly with business users and provide the proper channels and know-how to deploy in cities.
What is most interesting about this contest is that semi-finalists will be selected to participate in a month-long virtual mentoring program. And the finalists will receive support from local mentors and globally recognized Smart City experts.
According to Michael Lake, founder and CEO of Leading Cities, the new AcceliCITY model is unmatched in terms of need and potential reward. “Cities have an amazing opportunity to capitalize on a technological revolution but are finding it a challenge to identify and properly vet these new technologies. AcceliCITY provides a common ground for growth by matching entrepreneurs with expert mentors, understanding best practices for doing business with governments, and gaining access to investment funding.”
Applications are available here.
This contest is well worth entering as the competition will provide capital from a network of investors as well as the tools and knowledge of how to do business with cities.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor follow this link for some background information and an application. You need to have expertise in one or more of fourteen areas. Mentors will not only be expected to provide the traditional advice, guidance, and feedback so startups but also to serve as speakers in either AccelCity’s web-based programming or at Boston Bootcamp workshops.
So whether you are a startup whose product is a fit into the smart cities program or a mentor with relevant experience, check out the AcceliCity Global Smart City Startup Competition.
There’s an excellent presentation here.
Mentorphile 