Top 100 smart city solutions chosen in resilience challenge

The top 100 smart city solutions have been selected to advance to the next stage of this year’s QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge.

Organised by nonprofit Leading Cities, the contest attracted 740 entrepreneurs from 70 countries – up 14 per cent from last year – which submitted resilient and sustainable solutions that foster innovation and address real challenges in communities.

Smart City Track

The Smart City Track winners will receive up to $150,000 in prize money to fund a city pilot project, as well as publicity, mentoring and access to exclusive online courses.

In addition to the primary Smart City challenge, two additional specialised tracks are available this year. The Proptech Track targets loss mitigation solutions that identify or minimise potential hazards more quickly, lessen the effects of property damage, decrease business disruption or home evacuation caused by property damage, as well as other creative solutions for challenges at the intersection of resiliency and sustainability.

“Through the AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge, we can support and fund entrepreneurs from around the world who have practical ideas on how to address a range of challenges”

The Humanitarian Track targets solutions that enable global communities to adapt to climate-related impacts, offering the opportunity for participants to pilot the winning solution in a real-world climate-related setting through Australian Red Cross Humanitech in collaboration with the Global Disaster Preparedness Centre and supported by the American Red Cross and International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

“QBE is committed to taking tangible steps towards a more resilient future, so our communities are prepared and protected against evolving risks,” said Chris Castaldo, chief financial officer at QBE North America and QBE AcceliCITY executive sponsor. “Through the AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge, we can support and fund entrepreneurs from around the world who have practical ideas on how to address a range of challenges.”