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Saturday 30 June 2012

How 3 Startups Are Improving Urban Life Through Tech



From revolutionizing the way people experience their cities to empowering citizens to voice their concerns about their neighborhoods, the Global Innovation Series startup contestants proved their companies can improve urban life through tech innovation.
We’re pleased to announce the three winners for the Global Innovation Series startup contest. These winners will present onstage at the Global Innovation Series on July 16, 2012 in Berlin.
Mashable has brought our readers the Global Innovation Series to highlight the latest innovations in urban mobility. Presented by BMW i, which provides mobility services for the urban environment, this series covers a range of topics, from new forms of transportation to reimagining architecture, touching on technology that improves quality of life in cities around the world.
On July 16, 2012, Mashable and BMW i will unite in Berlin to bring the Global Innovation Series to life through a one-day event that will explore how technology can make cities more mobile and efficient.
Below, we’ve outlined the three startups that won our startup contest and will present their work onstage in Berlin.
The 3 Winning Startups Who Are Improving Urban Life With Technology
Who: Woofound is a mobile app that matches users to unique experiences they’ll love. Through a series of image-based questions, the app learns the user’s personality and then suggests experiences geo-located near him or a city of his choice.
How is it improving urban life with technology? Woofound is revolutionizing the way people see their cities by matching them to new experiences. Small businesses make up the unique fabric of every city, but oftentimes these businesses don’t have the resources to reach the right customers. Woofound creates a free and easy-to-use platform for businesses to find the customers who will love them the most.
Who: SeeClickFix was founded four years ago in New Haven, Conn. when CEO Ben Berkowitz and a few friends were unable to get the city to respond to some graffiti in their neighborhood. The company enables citizens to document problems in the public space, and empowers cities to act on their constituents’ concerns quickly and efficiently.
How it is improving urban life with technology? SeeClickFix improves urban life by addressing everyday problems, like potholes and graffiti, but it also helps to improve the often strained lines of communication between frustrated citizens and overburdened governments. SeeClickFix enables municipalities and constituents to interact in a collaborative and transparent way that builds trust and enhances civic spirit, while pragmatically improving their communities.
Who: ChallengePost powers and manages meaningful competitions that increase awareness, foster participation and generate innovation. It has enabled hundreds of challenges from government and corporations through its online platform, network of problem solvers, and marketing and consulting services.
How is it improving urban life with technology? Several of ChallengePost’s challenges have focused on improving the quality of urban life:
  • NYC BigApps: 238 apps created using city data to help New York City residents and visitors.
  • MTA App Quest: 42 apps developed to improve the commuting experience of 8 million daily riders.
  • AT&T San Diego Apps Challenge: 78 apps created using city and partner data to enhance services and quality of life.
  • FCC Apps for Communities: 66 apps created to make local public information more personalized, usable and actionable.
  • Let’s Move! Communities on the Move: 61 videos created by community and faith-based organizations working to promote healthy eating and physical activity.

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