Innovate Durham Announces Winning Cohort for 2024 Program
DURHAM, N.C. - Four companies will soon bring their new ideas to the City of Durham and Durham County governments by spending the next 16 weeks testing out innovative solutions to local challenges.
What You Need to Know
Innovate Durham has selected SKLLD, MyMatR, Laughing Monitos, and Digital Brilliance Hour for their 2024 program.
Program allows entrepreneurs and startups to use local government as a lab to test out an idea, product or service while having access to local government staff, data, and facilities.
The program also helps connect local businesses to resources and build innovation capacity.
Innovate Durham has selected SKLLD, MyMatR, Laughing Monitos, and Digital Brilliance Hour for their 2024 program, which allows entrepreneurs and startups to use local government as a lab to test out an idea, product or service while having access to local government staff, data, and facilities. The program also helps connect local businesses to resources and build innovation capacity.
Innovate Durham received 28 applications for this year's program and selected the following four finalists based on their alignment with City and County strategic priorities:
SKLLD
Test Case Departments: City of Durham Innovation Team and Durham County Economic Development
SKLLD aims to expand employment opportunities for historically underemployed groups by partnering with coding and job bootcamps. They will work with the City's Innovation Team and Durham County Economic Development to create multimedia résumés for justice-impacted residents.
MyMatR
Test Case Department: City of Durham Solid Waste Management Department
MyMatR has developed a smart waste container that sorts waste into trash or recycling automatically. They will collaborate with the City's Solid Waste Management Department to implement these units and gather real-time data.
Laughing Monitos
Test Case Department: Durham County Economic Development
Laughing Monitos provides playgroups focusing on speech and language developmental skills for children 0-4 years old. They will work with Durham County Economic Development to offer services to children awaiting formal evaluation.
Digital Brilliance Hour
Test Case Department: City of Durham Technology Solutions Department
Digital Brilliance Hour offers IT workshops and curriculum to uplift marginalized youth, particularly in black and brown communities. They will partner with the City's Technology Solutions Department to expand outreach and formalize the student experience evaluation process.
Durham County Economic Development Coordinator Sabria Futrell expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with these businesses, highlighting the additional support available this year. "Durham County is excited to continue our ongoing partnership with diverse early-stage businesses," said Futrell. "This year, program participants have access to expanded technical assistance at no cost, such as business certifications, small business funding, and financial management. These resources, in addition to departmental project support, are sure to take these businesses to the next level."
Assistant Director of Strategy and Innovation Andrew Holland with the City of Durham's Budget and Management Services Department emphasized the program's focus on equity and strategic planning, with the selected companies addressing pressing local issues. "The Innovate Durham Program has continued the long tradition of entrepreneurship and innovation in Durham and has successfully helped dozens of local businesses in recent years," said Holland. "The Innovate Durham team has again centered equity and strategic planning in this year's outreach, application process, and program. The companies selected are working on solutions to Durham's most pressing challenges such as digital equity and waste reduction."
The program will run until the end of May with regular meetings between the companies, Innovate Durham staff, and partner departments. The program will conclude with a Demo Day event open to the public.
For more information, visit the Innovate Durham webpage or contact Innovation Manager Lyndsay Gavin with the City's Budget and Management Services Department by email.