The Office of Innovation collaborates with Venture Café Phoenix to organize biannual Innovate PHX Challenge hackathons where participants from diverse backgrounds work in teams to address top City priorities. The teams then pitch their innovative solutions to a panel of judges for a chance to win a cash prize and potentially partner with the City to prototype ideas.
May 2025
The fifth Innovate PHX Challenge in partnership with Venture Café Phoenix invites community innovation teams to design solutions for Smart Cities for Phoenix. The challenge will focus on Accessibility, Active Transportation, and Public Spaces. The aim is to explore solutions that are under City of Phoenix control.
December 2024
The challenge improved air quality with a focus on addressing the top causes of air pollution emissions within Phoenix, including PM2.5 (smoke, soot, smaller dust) and PM10 (dust). Participants explored solutions that are under City of Phoenix control.
June 2024
The Office of Innovation held its third and most recent Innovate PHX Challenge at Venture Café. 34 participants formed six teams to "hack" solutions to expand affordable housing across Phoenix.
December 2023
The Office of Innovation held its second Innovate PHX Challenge at Venture Café. Five innovative teams "hacked" solutions to expand manufactured shade across Phoenix.
April 2023
The Office of Innovation held its inaugural Innovate PHX Challenge at Venture Café Phoenix with Mayor Kate Gallego. Over 100 innovators "hacked" solutions to expand access to chilled drinking water in public spaces!