Vancouver Economic Commission has debuted Project Greenlight, a membership-based platform that connects public and private enterprises (members) with local and global innovators, with a guiding mandate of accelerating our transition to a cleaner and smarter economy. The program launched with founding members FortisBC, TransLink, City of Vancouver, City of New Westminster and QuadReal, who have introduced open and targeted calls intended to advance their sustainable, smart and digital goals.
Project Greenlight is built around a challenge process that enables members to rapidly source, screen and onboard solutions. Members post two types of calls on the platform:
- Open calls seek solutions on an ongoing basis, with members evaluating submissions at their own pace.
- Targeted calls indicate firm deadlines for submission, at which point all submissions will be compiled and assessed.
Successful proponents will move through three assessments, culminating in a direct-pitch session with the member’s executive team. Throughout the process, the Project Greenlight Team – consisting of sector leads from Vancouver Economic Commission and Foresight – offers ongoing member and innovator support. Innovators whose proposals are selected for implementation can pilot their new or emerging technology in a real-world environment, using the pilots as a launchpad to scale innovation, create jobs and attract investment.
Project Greenlight’s five founding members have already issued open and targeted calls requiring solutions for improved rainwater-management systems; leak detection and prevention; enhanced digital services; tactical drones, AR/VR and electric vehicles; intelligent infrastructure to support safe and resilient communities; and improvements to connectivity and digital security, among others. Prospective applicants will find active challenges posted on the Project Greenlight website.
Welcome to Project Greenlight: Smart City Challenges for Metro Vancouver
Are you an innovator eager to launch your new technology? Join Project Greenlight and together we can accelerate smart and sustainable transformation!
In a press release, program funders PacificCAN and TD Bank Group expressed their support for the program:
“Our Government is committed to building a greener, more innovative and more inclusive economy,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for PacificCAN. “Project Greenlight provides innovators with ongoing opportunities to offer much-needed climate solutions that will stimulate growth, create high quality jobs and ensure a sustainable transition to a clean economy.”
“Today’s launch is a demonstration of how creativity, collaboration and innovation from community members, the private sector and government can help create more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities,” said Nicole Vadori, Associate Vice President and Head of Environment, TD Bank Group. “Through the TD Ready Commitment, the Bank’s global citizenship platform, we are thrilled to support the Vancouver Economic Commission and their development of Project Greenlight. This unique program embodies our joint commitment of helping create tailored solutions that drive low-carbon economic growth.”
Eager to support the transition to a more resilient, sustainable and digital region? Visit www.projectgreenlight.io.
