Michigan-based nonprofit and tech accelerator NextEnergy is teaming up with Wells Fargo, DENSO and DTE Energy to launch the second “Next Challenge: Smart Cities” competition. The competition focuses on hardware and/or software solutions that address the main issues of smart parking, smart mobility, smart buildings, and smart infrastructure.
The challenge is seeking the following outcomes:
- improved access and user experience;
- improved safety and security; and,
- reduced impact on the environment and public health caused by emissions, land use, and/or congestion.
Up to $80,000 will be awarded to the winner who will demonstrate and validate their solution at NextEnergy Center in Detroit, or applicable site.
Last year’s last year’s $80,000 Demonstration Grant Award Winner, Raphael Carty of Callida Energy stated, “The prize is allowing us to install our software in a commercial building site, do a baseline, make changes to how the building is operated, and develop a case study for how our solution delivered specific savings for the building. Before this challenge, we had a presence in New York and Houston. We saw opportunity in Detroit, but we weren’t known in the market. This competition put us on the map in the region.” Callida has designed software that reduces energy use, costs, and carbon emissions within buildings while improving comfort.
Concept papers are due August 18, 2017. Semi-finalists will be notified on September 1, 2017, with full proposals due September 29, 2017. Finalists will be offered in-person or virtual mentorship from experts to prepare for the pitch day event. For more information, contact Gina Schrader: ginas@nextenergy.org.
