Top 100 Entrepreneurs Selected to Move to Next Stage of the QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge
QBE North America announced that 100 Smart City solutions have advanced to the next stage of the AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge, out of more than 740 entries from 70 countries. The competition, now in its sixth year with Leading Cities, supports global entrepreneurs addressing urban risks, equity, and sustainability. Smart City Track winners could receive up to $150,000 for city pilot projects, along with publicity, mentoring, and online courses. This year, two specialized tracks are also included: Proptech and Humanitarian. The former focuses on loss mitigation in property insurance, while the latter addresses climate adaptation through collaboration with the Australian Red Cross. Selected entries propose solutions in clean water, renewable energy, urban agriculture, and climate adaptation. Participants will engage in a six-month curriculum and a boot camp to compete further for funding.
- 100 solutions selected from 740 entries, showing strong global participation and competition.
- Up to $150,000 in funding available for city pilot projects, potentially accelerating innovation.
- Inclusion of Proptech and Humanitarian Tracks, expanding the competition's scope.
- Participants receive publicity, mentoring, and access to exclusive online courses, supporting entrepreneurial growth.
- Entries address key areas such as clean water, renewable energy, urban agriculture, and climate adaptation, promoting sustainability.
- Six-month curriculum and boot camp provide comprehensive support and skill development for participants.
- Increased competition with a 14% rise in entries, making it harder for individual participants to stand out.
- No guarantee of funding for all participants, as only select finalists will receive the full $150,000.
740 entrepreneurs from 70 countries submitted resilient and sustainable solutions that foster innovation and address real challenges in communities.
Now in its sixth year in collaboration with Leading Cities, the QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge is open to global entrepreneurs who have developed pioneering ideas to tackle risk, equity and sustainability challenges in urban environments. The Smart City Track winners will receive up to
In addition to the Primary Smart City challenge, two additional specialized tracks are available this year. The Proptech Track targets loss mitigation solutions that identify or minimize 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 commercial property insurance and sustainability. The Humanitarian Track targets solutions that enable global communities to adapt to climate-related impacts, offering the opportunity for participants to find solutions for an Australian Red Cross real-world climate-related problem, delivered by 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."
More than 740 companies from 70 countries submitted entries for this year's Challenge, up
"The QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge's reach discovers solutions to real issues in our communities," said Mike Lake, founder and CEO of Leading Cities. "We help these companies succeed by connecting them with mentors from our global network of smart city experts and city leaders, supporting their journey to create tangible and lasting positive impact in communities worldwide."
With the application process behind them, these companies will now participate in a six-month, web-based curriculum featuring smart city leaders and industry experts from around the world. Companies selected as finalists will then participate in the QBE AcceliCITY Boot Camp, where they will compete for the opportunity to win up to
Learn more about the Top 100 QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Solutions here.
About QBE North America
QBE North America is a global insurance leader helping customers solve unique risks, so they can stay focused on their future. Part of QBE Insurance Group Limited, QBE North America reported Gross Written Premiums in 2023 of
About Leading Cities
Leading Cities is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing city resiliency and sustainability. Through innovative programs like the QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge, the largest startup accelerator of its kind, Leading Cities connects startups with city governments, experts and investors fostering collaboration to address urban challenges and create more resilient, sustainable and equitable cities. Additional information can be found at www.LeadingCities.org or by following Leading Cities on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
About the QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge
QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge, a signature program, leverages the Leading Cities network of forward-thinkers in the public, private, academic, and non-profit sectors to advance innovation in local governments. The program lowers the cost and risk of innovation for startups as well as cities and corporations by streamlining the innovation and sales cycles for Smart City solutions.
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SOURCE QBE North America
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