NYC Debuts Urban Tech Community Program

New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and CIV:LAB, a global nonprofit connecting urban innovation ecosystems, have partnered on the launch of The Grid, a network for New York City’s urban tech community.

Compromised of more than 70 organizations from various sectors, The Grid will enable members to share ideas, develop new partnerships and offer resources that will help the sector to grow.

“The Grid represents a promising vehicle for NYCEDC to work across sectors to strengthen collaborative innovation, first in New York City and eventually in more cities around the world,” James Patchett, New York City Economic Development president and CEO, said in a press release. “The Grid will support New York City’s development of technology and startup culture, which focuses on diversity, equity and community.”

The network’s project will be overseen by a steering committee that includes the Bronx Cooperative Development Initiative, Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, Civic Hall, Urban Tech Hub at GCT/Company, New Lab, Urban Future Lab, Dreamit UrbanTech, URBAN-X / Urban.Us, Accenture, Samsung NEXT, Rentlogic, Smarter Grid Solutions, Civic Consulting USA and the World Economic Forum.

“Our approach is about connecting people and organizations who are making cities better,” said Simon Sylvester-Chaudhuri, CIV:LAB’s co-founder and executive director. “The Grid is an opportunity to bring people and different types of stakeholders together to develop relationships and partnerships that will result in business growth, new technologies and solutions to improve the quality of life for New Yorkers. We’re incredibly excited to partner with NYCEDC on this project and take that foundation around the world.”

The steering committee will meet at least twice a year to review and discuss the network’s priorities, funding, events, communications and more.

“Innovation and entrepreneurship go hand in hand in the technology sector and play a critical role in our city’s economy and future,” said Council Member Paul Vallone, chair of the Committee on Economic Development. “As a global leader in tech, New York City must continue to explore ways to support the diverse talent pool and entrepreneurial interest that drives its growth. I applaud the launch of ‘The Grid,’ as this unique networking initiative will play a big role in fostering the types of relationships and information sharing needed to continue creating opportunities for tech in NYC.”