The Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) and the Smart City Works Actuator are seeking applications from entrepreneurs, startups and companies with emerging products that are designed to make cities smarter, more livable and more resilient.
Entrepreneurs and others from the tech community are gearing up for the Smart City Fall 2017 Cohort session in Herndon, Va., next month.
The event, organized by the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) and the Smart City Works Actuator, begins Sept. 13 and is an expansion of the spring 2017 pilot program that was launched in March.
Applications will be accepted until all available slots are filled, organizers say.
"We strongly encourage the applicants to apply as soon as possible but we will consider new applications until the point that all slots are full," said Kevin May, marketing and communications director for CIT, a Herndon-based, non-profit corporation that helps and invests in next-generation technology companies. "After our cohort is selected for this session, all new applicants would be considered for future sessions."
The program, he noted, is designed to provide participating companies with the skills and resources to become successful in an ever-changing and highly-competitive industry.
“The application process is highly competitive," May added. "Our management team fields applications and inquiries from dozens of startups from across the globe that are interested in participating in the actuator program."
Each class of companies that is accepted into the cohort goes through a 90-day program where they are coached on all aspects of creating a successful business.
“Our program brings together industry experts, veterans, buyers and customers into a platform that supports the rapid launch of the next generation of smart infrastructure companies,” said May. “At the end of the program, we host a Demo Day where we invite over 150 mentors, investors and industry experts to hear the companies' polished pitches.”
The spring event narrowed the field down to six companies that specialized in one of three high-demand sectors: transportation, construction techniques and public safety/resilience. The request spawned a competitive selection process that brought submissions from startups and entrepreneurs located across the world. The six companies selected were:
Interested applicants are encouraged to visit f6s.com/smartcityworks/apply for more details and to fill out the online application.
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