Pitch and Pilot: Fairfax County Innovation Challenge
Carbon Neutrality and Climate ActionWednesday, October 19, 2022
1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Goal: Improve energy efficiency, increase use of renewable electricity, and accelerate use of electric vehicles to shift from a carbon-based economy to a carbon-neutral community.
Pitch and Pilot key dates
Company Orientation and Q & A
September 15
Deadline to Submit Two-Page Concept
October 03
Review Period
October 04 – 14
Finalist Announcement
October 14
Optional Pitch Support for Finalists
October 14 – 18
Live Pitch Event
October 19, 1-3:30pm
Agenda for pitch event
Welcome and Kickoff
Panel Discussion
Pitch Competition
Judges Deliberation & Networking Session
Winner Announcement &
Wrap-Up
Background
In July 2021, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors adopted an updated Operational Energy Strategy committing to energy carbon neutral government operations by the year 2040. The Board also adopted a Carbon Neutral Counties Declaration, urging other county governments to make similar commitments to reduce their operational greenhouse gas emissions.
As localities respond to the climate challenge, Fairfax County, in partnership with Smart City Works Innovation Hub, will propose to hold an innovation challenge event that focuses on carbon neutral energy. This event aims to find the best ideas and solutions to increase & improve clean energy use without negatively impacting economic growth, equity, or sustainability. The county hopes to implement a pilot project to evaluate the effectiveness of the winning solution(s).
Challenges and Considerations
Climate projections show that the top three hazards of concern to Fairfax County are due to increasing precipitation, heat, and storm severity.
The County aims to retrofit 100,000 housing units with energy efficiency measures by 2030.
Hotter days, longer pollen seasons, and an increased range of vectors and diseases (due to increased mosquitos from increased flooding) leads to increased adverse health impacts for county residents.
About the Competition
In partnership with the Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives, Smart City Works will hold a regionally focused virtual Pitch and Pilot to find the best solutions to support Fairfax County’s goals, including decreasing carbon emissions, improving air quality, promoting clean energy, and improving health outcomes especially among underrepresented populations.
Fairfax County hopes this process will result in a viable pilot project. The County is agreeable to partnering with participants who offer innovative solutions that are aligned with County goals and policies. There are no preconceived notions about any specific technologies, but we do ask that the solution further the County’s goal of being a leader in smart community innovation.
Teams from around the world will virtually present their solutions to an audience of Fairfax government officials and other innovation and community stakeholders from around the region.
The winning proposal(s) will use an innovative approach to advance County priorities:
- Improve the energy efficiency of buildings
- Increase the use of renewable electricity, and/or
- Accelerate the adoption and use of electric vehicles
The winning solution will be considered for implementation as a pilot project in Fairfax County.
Recommend or Refer a Startup Company!
Email us at: Fairfaxinnovates@gmail.com
Please include company website and CEO’s contact info.
Thank you!!
Eligibility
Companies, entities, or teams of all sizes and from all over the world may submit a proposal.
Participants must show that their proposed solution:
1. Incorporates an existing or future technology product; program; or process
2. Considers existing data on carbon output
3. Can be implemented within two years
4. Maintains data privacy and security
Resources
Criteria
A selection committee will evaluate and score proposals and select finalists. The selection and evaluation process will be based on the criteria identified below:
Innovation
How innovative is the solution? How differentiated or unique is the solution?
Regional Impact
What is the impact of the solution (e.g. reduction in carbon output; improved quality of life; increase in renewable energy)? How are health outcomes considered?
Practicality and Scalability
Can the solution be implemented in near-to-medium term (within two years)? How easily can it be replicated or scaled to a larger market?
Social Responsibility and Equity
What impact does this solution have on addressing racial, accessibility, age, gender, or other inequities? How does it prioritize vulnerable populations and disadvantaged communities?