QBE says their nationwidecompetition is for entrepreneurs who are looking to change theworld with big ideas to build thriving, resilient cities. (Photo:QBE)

In an effort to celebrate and identify innovators and promoteresiliency projects across the U.S., QBE North America and socialenterprise group Ashoka have partnered to host their new Urban Resilience Challenge competition.

The Urban Resilience Challenge is a "nationalsocial innovation competition" that aims to uncover andfund tech-based innovations that will, in turn, foster resiliencyin major cities and urban communities.

QBE and Ashoka are looking for innovators, entrepreneurs,project managers and anyone whose work positively impacts policyand the broader urban ecosystem, creating an environment moreresilient against physical, economic, and social risks.

"The goal of the QBE Foundation and the Urban ResilienceChallenge is to strengthen the communities that we live and work inevery day – whether it be the infrastructure, the people, or theenvironment around us," said Josie Barnett, Foundation Manager, QBENorth America. "By partnering with Ashoka we were able to increaseour access to the top innovators and entrepreneurs and as a result,also increase our impact on these communities."

Challenge breakdowns

QBE and Ashoka say the Urban Resilience Challenge will recognizeand support transformative, product-centered, technical innovationsfrom for-profit organizations that are impacting policy and thebroader urban ecosystem.

The organizations are looking for a wide range of ideas tacklinga diversity of issues including:

• The Built Environment: Innovations whichimprove a city's ability to manage its physical assets (buildings,land, and infrastructure) through a natural disaster, environmentaldegradation, and the overall capacity needs of urban spaces.
• Sustainable Economies: Innovations whichexpand the economic ecosystem and diversity within a city,including the creation of new industries through technology.
• Food/Water/Waste: Innovations which improveaccess to sustainable and healthy food, clean water and reducingcommercial and residential waste.
• Public Health & Safety: Innovations whichimprove welfare and protection of the public, environmental healthand behavior, city livability, and access to justice, rule of law,and law enforcement.

"Investing in the communities where we live and workdemonstrates our commitment to fostering a better, moresustainable future," Russ Johnston, CEO, QBE North America,said in a statement. "Through this challenge, it is our hope thatwe may help start a movement where people work together to activatepowerful innovations that can change the world."

The entry deadline closed May 7 and the Challenge is now in thescreening phase where all entries will be assessed andsemi-finalists will be selected.

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