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Category: Announcement DoD Communities of Interest: R&D Research and Development Subject: Innovate Durham Due Date: February 15, 2021 Government Organization: City of Durham Description: We are happy to inform you that the fourth cohort of Innovate Durham is now accepting applications and will do so until February 15, 2021. Innovate Durham is a 16-week program that turns Durham’s local government into a laboratory for startups and entrepreneurs, allowing them to test new products, services, and ideas. Innovate Durham will be moving forward with a virtual format in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are asking that you help us in promoting the application to potential startups to engage a wide applicant pool and ensure a successful and productive fourth year. You can help in any of the following ways: • Invite us to any upcoming virtual meetings for a short presentation. We would appreciate a few minutes to promote this innovative and exciting program! • Follow the City of Durham and Durham County’s social media pages and reshare Innovate Durham messages on your own platforms. • Let us know if you have a newsletter or other format where we could include a short letter about Innovate Durham. • Share our upcoming webinar with anyone who might be interested! The virtual webinar will be held on Thursday, February 4 from 3:30 - 4:30 PM EST. Registration is available at tinyurl.com/InnovateDurhamInfoSession2021 and additional meeting information is below my signature. For the application and more information about Innovate Durham, please visit its website at https://durhamnc.gov/3165/Innovate-Durham. About Innovate Durham We're turning local government into a laboratory for startups and entrepreneurs. Innovate Durham participants will work with a Durham City or County department to test, scale, and innovate new ideas and technology. Through the program, startups will get access to staff, data, and facilities to assist with making Durham more efficient and encourage a culture of innovation in the City and County. The 16-week partnership program turns the City of Durham and Durham County into a lab to test your idea, product, or service. Of course, this time will be different as we pivot during the pandemic. To Apply Applications for the 2021 Cohort will be available in early 2021. Applicants agree to the Innovate Durham Program Criteria & Expectations by submitting an application. Participants will be expected to complete the 16-week pilot period and present at the Demo Day in December 2021. Program Goals - Test Latest Technology: Keep Durham informed of new trends and technologies by opening the doors of government to startups and entrepreneurs. - Build Innovation Capacity: Build capacity for innovation work by allowing departments to partner with program participants to test new ideas and use new technology. - Support Local Businesses: Provide opportunities for businesses to work with the City or County, giving them a use case to attract clients or investors. More Information What is the Innovate Durham program? The Innovate Durham program is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to apply to develop, test, and scale innovative solutions with the support of City and County staff, data, and infrastructure. What criteria will be used to determine which companies will be accepted to participate in Innovate Durham? The criteria used to choose participants for Innovate Durham may include the following criteria, but is not limited to: improving the quality and efficiency of City or County services and operations; supporting existing local innovators; building capacity for innovation in City and County departments; and, advancing the City and County strategic plans. Selected participants will agree upon a written memorandum of understanding to outline the specific needs and expectations of the pilot period. Who is on the review committee? The Innovate Durham committee consists of personnel from both the City and County. Including but not limited to the City Manager's Office, County Manager's Office, City Technology Solutions Department, County Information Services & Technology Department, Economic Development offices, and other city departments or work units based on the applications received. How will Innovate Durham be structured? Selected participants will partner with the City for a 16-week testing period. Participants will be required to attend several in-person events: program kickoff, cohort check-ins, and Demo Day in December. Participants will also be expected to check in with Innovate Durham staff every two weeks to discuss the progress of the project. Selected participants will agree to a memorandum of understanding before the pilot period starts: Sample Innovate Durham MOU. Is there a financial investment as part of Innovate Durham? No, there is no financial investment as a part of Innovate Durham. However, during the program participants will have access to City and County data, resources, personnel, and infrastructure. The intention is to create a laboratory for startups and entrepreneurs to test their product or service. What does the City or County get out of the program? The City and County are using Innovate Durham to encourage a culture of innovation by creating partnerships with the business community to share ideas, collaboratively solve problems and improve operations. Both organizations hope to learn about new technologies and ideas. Thank you for your support and consideration. Sincerely, ANDREW MIRACLE | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICER 201 East Main Street, Room 447 Durham, North Carolina 27701 Office (919) 560-0006 | Fax (919) 560-0057 |
Innovate Durham
SUSP: 15 February 2021 Description: We are happy to inform you that the fourth cohort of Innovate Durham is now accepting applications and will do so until February 15, 2021.