Regina and Saskatoon may be provincial rivals, but they’re teaming up in hopes of solving a mutual concern.
The cities announced Wednesday that they’re launching the Civic Innovation Challenge, in which they’re hoping to find technological solutions to issues surrounding urban transportation.
A media release about the challenge said it “seeks new approaches or innovative technology solutions that will reduce reliance on personal vehicles and enable better movement around the two cities.”
The hope is that the technology would improve the cities’ ability to move people around the communities and to make it easier for people to move between varying modes of transportation.
As well, the solution would help change people’s behaviour about taking their own vehicles and enable residents to personalize their choice of transportation.
“This is a unique opportunity to work with Saskatoon to explore and pursue innovative solutions to transportation challenges facing both cities,” Regina Mayor Michael Fougere said in the release. “We are interested in hearing diverse solutions and perspectives, while pursuing and incorporating modern, innovative technology.”
Innovators and start-ups are being invited to participate in the challenge. Proposals will be accepted until May 13, with a winner to be announced this summer.
Companies interested in participating in the challenge can get more information here.
Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark said in the release that he hopes the challenge will generate interest from the province’s tech sector.
“This partnership with the City of Regina and Innovation Saskatchewan can help to leverage this talent and expertise that our community and province has to address the challenges we are facing in creating a connected, accessible community for all,” Clark said.