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Pitch & Pilot

Piloting technology-enabled solutions to advance the SmartCityPHL Roadmap.

About

Pitch & Pilot solicits ideas to improve government services through technological innovation. The program offers funding to test promising solutions in partnership with the private sector.

The winning provider will be awarded up to $75,000 (or $100,000 if the vendor is a local business enterprise) to pilot a solution that:

  • aligns with the guiding principles of the SmartCityPHL Roadmap;
  • uses an innovative approach to advance the City's priorities;
  • prioritizes disadvantaged residents and communities;
  • maintains resident privacy and data security;
  • proves its value to the city in the context of a pilot; and
  • has the potential to scale upward.

The Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT) leads Pitch & Pilot. A working group consisting of City departments, academics and researchers, and private-sector leaders supports and guides the program.

Connect

Address
1234 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Email pitch.and.pilot@phila.gov
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Submit a proposal

The application cycle has closed.

We are not currently accepting proposals for Pitch & Pilot. The next funding cycle and its focus areas will be posted on this site.

If you’re interested in participating in this program, review a past call for solutions. You may also suggest a topic for a future funding cycle.

Eligibility

Companies and entities of all sizes may submit a proposal. Philadelphia-based solution providers are especially encouraged to apply. Where proposal quality is similar, local providers will receive preference over those from outside of Philadelphia.

Process

1
For each funding cycle, the working group will select an area of focus.

This topic will relate to the work of a particular City department. The sponsoring department will develop a summary of the challenge and its existing programs, which will inform the call for solutions.

2
OIT issues a call for solutions to request ideas and proposals from the private sector.

Details will be posted online when the application cycle opens. Proposals may be sent to pitch.and.pilot@phila.gov.

3
The working group and relevant City stakeholders evaluate the submitted proposals and select the finalists.

The evaluation process takes approximately 1–2 months. Proposals will be evaluated based on their:

  • Innovation.
  • Equity.
  • Value.
  • Scalability.
  • Attention to privacy and data security.
4
Finalists present their proposals at a pitch event.

The winning solution provider will be notified and will enter into a contract with OIT.

5
The sponsoring department and solution provider work together to design and execute a pilot project.

OIT, the sponsoring department, and the working group will evaluate the pilot’s potential to advance City priorities and be sustainable at scale. Relevant City departments may choose to issue a request for proposals to scale up the solution.

Have an idea for the next Pitch & Pilot?

The City welcomes your ideas for the program's future focus areas. To suggest a topic, use our survey.

Partners

  • Department of Commerce
  • Drexel University
  • The ITEM, Inc.
  • NextFab
  • Office of Sustainability
  • Office of Transportation, Infrastructure & Sustainability (oTIS)

  • Philadelphia Energy Authority
  • Philadelphia Gas Works
  • Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Zero Waste and Litter Cabinet


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