$100K up for grabs in LA’s wildfire resilience ideas competition

Calling all Los Angeles design angels! The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator is looking to vet wildfire rebuilding solutions in the first stage of a new competition called the LA Resilient Rebuilding Cup that culminates in a one-day fete this July with $100,000 and future pilot funding on the line.

LACI organizers say their intent is to have the proposals developed afterward to debut at the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games. The solutions are not for a particular design or concept per se, but will present ideas that "reduce vulnerability to future wildfires" overall in the words of the LACI. Additional opportunities to participate in their new Incubator Program will also be an aspect of it. The list of eligible startups invited to participate includes:

• Fire detection and response (e.g., optical detection, automated alert systems, AI predictive analytics, real-time data and visibility, simulation)
• Energy and water resiliency (e.g., distributed energy resources, EV charging, water storage for dousing, electrical shut-off technology, remote water supply, renewable energy generation)
• Community health and wellbeing (e.g., air quality monitoring, soil testing, community building tools, mental health);
• Rebuilding and construction (e.g., pre-built all-electric ADUs, manufactured systems and homes, engineered wood, fire-resistant and/or low-carbon building materials)
• Resilience (e.g., mobile solar and battery backup systems, uninterruptible WiFi access & communication, drone delivery & rescue operations)
• Permitting, financial, and insurance tech tools  ;(e.g., tools to accelerate permitting and inspections, help to help homeowners finance construction, assistance to help builders and homeowners ensure homes get insured)

Applications are due by May 30th. Startups interested in participating can review eligibility criteria and apply here.