CIVX Enhanced Urban Communication Networks

Building on the success of the first CivX Smart Cities challenge showcasing cutting-edge solutions for secure, real-time urban operations, we are excited to introduce the next installment in our Smart Cities challenge series. In this second challenge, participants will address a critical aspect of modern urban resilience: Enhanced Urban Communication Networks.

Improving resiliency and decision-making for sustainable and intelligent urban systems.
Future State: As cities face increasingly complex environmental, social, and technological challenges, we invite innovators to develop solutions that empower city leaders and communities to manage their environments in any scenario. By leveraging advanced communication networks, real-time data sharing, and scalable analytics, this challenge calls for ideas that improve the resiliency and capability of networks, helping to create robust and adaptable urban systems for the future.

We invite you to develop innovative solutions that enhance the resilience, reliability, and sustainability of urban communication networks, empowering city leaders, and community stakeholders to make informed decisions under any conditions.
Some ideas to consider:

• Operational Resilience
• Energy Resilience
• Support for Smart Infrastructure
• Scalability and Security
• Adaptable Delivery Systems (Optional)

Your solution should focus on allowing civic leaders and stakeholders to maintain network operability regardless of environmental impacts, ensuring energy resilience for uninterrupted communication, and facilitating seamless communication and coordination during emergencies. Additionally, it should enable scalable, sensor-enabled infrastructure, ensuring secure, adaptable networks capable of functioning under high demand or during public network failures.

By addressing these priorities, your solution should empower urban operators to coordinate resources, optimize response times, pre-plan for emergency situations and ensure sustainable and equitable outcomes in any scenario. Aligning with the principles established in the first challenge is encouraged but not required.

Key Objectives:

1. Strengthen urban communication networks to function effectively under both ideal and adverse conditions.
2. Provide secure, scalable, and adaptable systems that integrate seamlessly into urban environments.
3. Explore innovative ways to enhance the functionality and reliability of civic communication and network infrastructure.
4. Provide the network and communication framework for future Smart Cities innovation.

1. Registration

• The first step is to register for the competition; registering early is the easiest way to stay informed.
• All participants must agree to the eligibility rules and participant agreement for the challenge.
• For this competition, the "Sponsor" refers to the Griffiss Institute.

2. Submission:

Prepare a 5-Page White Paper

• Include a Cover Page: The white paper should not exceed 5 pages, including the cover page.
• Content Guidelines: The paper should include an introduction to your proposed solution, details about the solution, potential impact, team experience and capabilities, expected outcomes, and a conclusion.
• Formatting Requirements: Adhere to the provided formatting guidelines, including font size, margins, and document organization. See formatting instructions under the submission guidelines on the website.

Create 2 to 3 Minute Video

• Overview of Solution: The video should briefly describe the proposed solution and its potential impact.
• Incorporate Visual Aids: Use graphics, charts, photos, or demonstrations to explain your proposal.
• Team Introduction: Introduce your team members and their qualifications.
• Submission Deadline: Ensure all materials are submitted by the specified deadline
• See video instructions under the submission guidelines on the website.

Smart cities represent a transformative approach to urban development by leveraging advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and big data to enhance the quality of life, improve infrastructure, and optimize urban services. They present vast opportunities, including improved resource efficiency, real-time problem-solving through digital twins, and enhanced sustainability via innovations like energy micro-grids and AI-driven waste management. However, they also raise significant ethical issues. Key concerns include data privacy, potential biases in AI algorithms, digital equity, and the transparency of data usage. Citizen participation and trust are critical; strategies must emphasize inclusivity and robust governance to ensure technologies serve as tools for societal benefit rather than sources of inequity or exploitation

Griffiss Institute
The Griffiss Institute aims to develop the next generation of STEM talent and defense technologies that will strengthen U.S. national security and create economic opportunity for their region, state and nation. As a Partnership Intermediary, the Griffiss Institute performs services for the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate that increases the likelihood of success in the conduct of cooperative or joint activities with small business firms, institutions of higher education, and industry.

Challenge Administration: The challenge registration and submission portal are administered by a contractor, Blue Clarity LLC, in support of the Griffiss Institute and the United States Space Force.

Griffiss Institute may award
Five semi-finalists will be invited to participated in a virtual pitch event on April 16, 2025. The finalist winner will receive $20,000!

February 12, 2025 - Competition Launch/Kickoff Webinar
February 19, 2025 - Webinar 1 - Time/Topic (TBD)
March 12, 2025 - Webinar 2 - Time/Topic (TBD)
*Dates are subject to change. Please check our Slack channel for webinar links and the latest updates.
March 26, 2025 - Submissions Due By: March 26, 2025 at 8 PM EST

• 5-page white paper
• 2-3 minute video
  April 2, 2025 - Semi-finalists notified
  April 16, 2025 - Live Pitch Event (Virtual)
  *Details about virtual and in-person events will be provided to registered participants.
  April 18, 2025 - Winner Award

• Desirability
• Feasibility
• Scalability
• Security
• Relevance to the Challenge

Each criterion is evaluated based on five possible responses:
Strongly Disagree (1 pt), Disagree (2 pts), Neither Agree Nor Disagree (3 pts), Agree (4 pts), and Strongly Agree (5 pts). Please refer to the judging criteria section on our website.

If you have any inquiries about participating in this competition, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].

Event Venue

Online