We are living exciting times. Our civilization is evolving quickly as new technologies emerge at a giant’s pace, and there is an unprecedented opportunity for cities to leverage these new technologies to become smarter, more creative and innovative.
In this article, I will go through the journey of a smart city and we will present the characteristic trends, as well as the key enablers that are defining the future of our cities.
CommuniCity's third Open Call is now launched! 🚀
We are pleased to launch the final CommuniCity Open Call round. There will be over 60 pilots running across Europe, focusing on digital inclusion and wellbeing for marginalized communities. 7 challenges are focused on citizens of Amsterdam.
In addition to the partner cities of Helsinki, Porto, and Amsterdam, the Replicator Cities are also presenting their unique challenges. The Replicator Cities are Aarhus, Bruges, Brussels, Cuneo, London, Manchester, Matosinhos, Milazzo, Plock, Prague, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Sarajevo, The Hague and Utrecht.
💡 Tech providers: Apply for grants of up to €12,500 to develop tech solutions and run real-life experiments in collaboration with the cities. The deadline for applications is October 31st, 5pm CET.
More information on the Open Call: https://lnkd.in/e-Z5EA5z
Let’s shape the future of our cities together! 💪
Entrepreneurs test innovations during SAIL and Marathon
Public events like SAIL and the Marathon draw millions of visitors to Amsterdam. These events often take place in central locations where large crowds gather. As a result, various logistical arrangements need to be made, such as providing food and drinks, public toilets, and temporary modifications to streets. These situations pose sustainability and accessibility challenges for the city. However, they also make these events ideal testing grounds for innovations.
Testing with the city and event organizers
The In Residence program offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to test their innovations during public events. They work closely with event organizers, the City of Amsterdam, and an experienced mentor. Additionally, funding is available to support the pilot. If the innovation proves to benefit the city, the municipality may purchase it after the program.
Applications are open from October 1 to November 17. Selected entrepreneurs will prepare their pilot in early 2025, and most pilots will take place during the summer events, especially during SAIL 2025.
Apply via the website: https://innovatiepartners.nl/project/in-residence-open-evenementen-2025
Amsterdam 750th anniversary year
This is the second round of the In Residence Events program. During the 2024 event season, nine entrepreneurs tested their innovations, including at Pride Week, the Marathon, and the Dam tot Dam Run. If successful, innovations from both rounds of the program may be implemented during the events of Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary celebrations.
Interested or any questions? You can get in touch with Mark Stoevelaar (mark.stoevelaar@amsterdam.nl)
Photo: Edwin van Eis
The European Innovation and Investment Agency for Culture and Creativity launches its first accelerator programme for 2024-2025.
It focuses especially SMEs and Scale-Up which want to grow in global markets.
Participants will benefit from an 8-week acceleration programme led by top European speakers, trainers, and mentors, valued at €20,000. This intensive programme will provide you with expert guidance, hands-on workshops, and invaluable connections within the industry. Also, an in person programme in our six regional innovation hubs in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Bologna, Helsinki, Kosice and Vienna is possible.
Participation in the programme is free of charge!
The acceleration programme is also a route to joining the EIT CC partnership with purpose and to win at a later stage in EIT Culture & Creativity as strategic long term partner, investor and/or shareholder.
Application Deadline: 4 October.
How to apply?
Application information here: Accelerator Programme – EIT Culture & Creativity (eit-culture-creativity.eu)
We’re looking for creative SMEs or scale-ups (minimum 3 years old) in industries such as:
– Fashion
– Architecture
– Cultural Heritage
– Audiovisual Media and Gaming
– Innovative businesses combining elements from these sectors, or leveraging the latest digital or circular technologies.
– An innovative business idea with potential for global impact
– A strong drive to succeed combined with an openness to adopting new business models
– Demonstrable growth and turnover (with a minimum annual average of 5% sustained over the past 2 years
Your company will benefit from an 8-week acceleration programme led by top European speakers, trainers, and mentors, valued at €20,000. This intensive programme will provide you with expert guidance, hands-on workshops, and invaluable connections within the industry.
You’ll also build a strong network of peers and professionals while enhancing your business model. And you’ll also have the chance to be featured on our prestigious “100 to Watch” list!
