Place-based Challenges
The Alliance for Urban Innovation partners with the World Economic Forum's UpLink platform to organize place-based innovation challenges that bolster local economic development and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) to make cities more inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
Place-based innovation challenges catalyze investment in local innovation ecosystems while also supporting the deployment and growth of world-leading urban innovations.
Yes SF Urban Sustainability Challenge
In June 2023, the World Economic Forum joined forces with Deloitte, Salesforce, Citi, and the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce to launch the Yes San Francisco (Yes SF) Urban Sustainability Challenge, inviting entrepreneurs and innovators from around the world to contribute to help shape the city’s future.
More than 140 companies and early-stage ventures responded to UpLink's Yes SF Challenge and work is now underway to help a select group of top innovators – from the Bay Area and across the globe – roll out their solutions in San Francisco and contribute to the city's economic recovery.
To support this work, a coalition of more than 20 public and private sector partners have now committed in-kind and financial resources to grow this new ecosystem of innovators in San Francisco and help establish the city as a global role model for urban sustainability.
Pioneer Cities
Pioneer Cities is a global initiative designed to replicate the success of Yes SF. The program brings together a cohort of cities from around the world, each committed to addressing urban challenges through innovative solutions.
The program collaborates with local governments, private sector leaders, and community stakeholders to launch innovation challenges in each participating city. These challenges aim to revitalize urban areas, enhance infrastructure, and create sustainable environments. By fostering partnerships between innovators, investors, and global organizations like the World Economic Forum, Pioneer Cities helps cities deploy cutting-edge solutions that improve urban living while aligning with local climate action plans and economic strategies.
Pioneer Cities program not only brings new ideas to life but also works to build resilient urban ecosystems that can continue growing long after the initial challenge is complete. It’s a platform for cities ready to lead the way in creating a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Nominations for Pioneer Cities
As the Alliance for Urban Innovation prepares to scale these efforts globally — mobilizing support to make cities more inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable — the World Economic Forum is now accepting nominations for the first cohort of pioneer cities who can learn from efforts underway in San Francisco and begin setting the stage for future place-based innovation challenges.
Nominations will be accepted on a rolling basis.