In the traditional “pitch” format, companies sell their products or services to potential customers. But what if the customer is looking for something that doesn’t exist yet? And they can’t wait for long development cycles? That’s where the reverse pitch is an elegant and effective solution.

One of the best ways to accelerate innovation is through challenge programs that match needs with solutions. That’s the basis of Project Greenlight, an exciting new initiative issuing challenged-based calls that enable public and private enterprises to rapidly source, screen, and onboard solutions. Created by the Vancouver Economic Commission and supported by program delivery partner Foresight, Project Greenlight is sponsored by TD Bank Group and Western Economic Diversification Canada.

Project Greenlight brings together enterprises and innovators to enhance Vancouver’s green and smart-city brand, and to make a positive economic and environmental impact. It’s about bringing smart and sustainable solutions to market.

“Foresight is committed to supporting solutions that are problem driven, market driven, and data driven solutions,” says Jeanette Jackson, CEO of Foresight. “We recognize that for industry to reach self-imposed and government-imposed clean goals, they need to invest in new technologies that address current gaps. Project Greenlight is an excellent way for innovators to develop, pitch, and pilot solutions to tackle Vancouver’s toughest climate challenges. We are delighted to support this incredible opportunity, and to be working with Vancouver Economic Commission and the partners on this disruptive initiative.”

“Vancouver Economic Commission’s purpose is to contribute to building a prosperous, inclusive, zero carbon and resilient local economy, competitively positioned in the global market,” says Bryan Buggey, Director, Vancouver Economic Commission. “At the innovation ecosystem level, Project Greenlight, allows us to position Greater Vancouver as an innovation platform that accelerates commercialization and adoption of much needed solutions in the climate and smart-city space. This local program could have global impacts as innovators successfully demonstrate their solutions here before looking to global markets. This is the kind of economic development that supports homegrown solutions to tackle real challenges while enabling Vancouver’s institutions and asset owners to meet BC’s Net Zero Climate Goals.”

How it works:

• Innovators have the opportunity to pilot their solutions with some of the region’s largest infrastructure networks. This includes stormwater systems, energy hubs, transit systems, municipal vehicle fleets, and commercial real estate portfolios. This is a unique opportunity to scale new solutions and acquire new customers.

• Enterprises gain access to a network of innovators who can provide emerging technologies and solutions. They can fast-track innovation, better serve customers and stakeholders, and advance technology and sustainability targets.

Founding members FortisBC, TransLink, City of Vancouver, City of New Westminster, and QuadReal have introduced open and targeted challenges intended to advance their sustainable, smart, and digital goals. Read about the challenges.