Emergent social impact enterprises working on innovative solutions in sectors like sustainability, smart cities, and climate resilience often face significant hurdles in establishing partnerships with municipalities and industry. For underserved communities in Los Angeles, these innovations can provide transformative benefits, such as improving air and water quality, enhancing access to clean energy, and creating more resilient infrastructure. However, the challenge lies in moving these technologies from early pilot project to real-world deployment in neighborhoods that need them the most.

This panel will examine how the creation of pilots and demonstration projects can help facilitate the adoption of innovative solutions by municipalities and industries, specifically targeting underserved areas in Los Angeles. Through these initiatives, founders can demonstrate the tangible, community-centered impact of their technologies, while providing city/county officials and industry leaders with a low-risk way to evaluate their effectiveness. The discussion will highlight the importance of prioritizing community engagement in the pilot phase and ensuring that solutions are co-designed to meet the
needs of these communities.

Panelists from the tech startup ecosystem, local government, and community organizations will share strategies for building effective partnerships, overcoming systemic barriers, and ensuring innovations make a lasting positive impact on the lives of Angelenos.