The RISE Riverine Community Resilience Challenge II, backed by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), invites startups with innovative solutions to address critical flood resilience issues. This challenge targets solutions that are capable of significantly improving disaster preparedness and recovery in flood-vulnerable regions across Western Virginia.

Participants will pilot their innovations directly in communities devastated by recent floods, such as Hurley, Grundy, and Richlands, and address both immediate and long-term community needs. The startups will have access to real-world testing environments, extensive regulatory support, exclusive datasets, and mentorship from resilience experts and emergency management leaders.

Beyond these benefits, selected startups will achieve heightened visibility and direct engagement with regional stakeholders, enhancing opportunities for further investment and strategic partnerships.

A Rewarding Opportunity: Real Impact, Real Funding

Startups selected for the RISE Challenge will benefit from a non-dilutive grant of up to $300K through the Resilience Innovation Fund. Beyond funding, participants receive:

• Real-world Pilot Opportunities: Deploy and test solutions in flood-impacted communities.
• Visibility and Recognition: Media coverage and showcase opportunities with public and private stakeholders.
• Data-Driven Advantage: Exclusive datasets to refine and validate your solutions.
• Community and Expert Collaborations: Build lasting relationships with emergency management professionals and resilience innovators.

Solutions Needed: Urgent Challenges Call for Bold Ideas

RISE is specifically looking for innovations addressing these critical areas:

• Flood Event Early Warning: Advanced forecasting systems to provide timely alerts.
• Landscape and Building Adaptation: Solutions enhancing flood resistance through building design improvements and landscape modifications.
• Community Insurance Program: Sustainable insurance solutions tailored to the needs of riverine communities.
• Riverine Community Resilience Product Integration: Integrated solutions combining multiple technologies to maximize resilience outcomes.
• Business Recovery After a Riverine Flooding Event: Rapid recovery solutions to quickly resume operations and mitigate economic losses.

Why Participate in the RISE Resilience Challenge?

This isn’t just another pitch contest, it’s an opportunity for startups to:

• Deploy Solutions Quickly: Immediate real-world impact in communities that urgently need your innovation.
• Secure Meaningful Funding: Non-dilutive grants to accelerate your growth and development.
• Gain Expert Support: Receive hands-on assistance from top resilience and emergency management specialists.
• Expand Your Network: Collaborate with influential stakeholders and industry leaders.
• Build Your Reputation: Showcase your capabilities to potential investors, partners, and government officials.

Are You Eligible?

RISE welcomes applications from startups with innovative resilience solutions ready to pilot in real-world settings. Whether you’re in the early stages or already scaling, if your solution can significantly enhance community resilience, RISE wants you.

Mark Your Calendar: Key Dates

• Applications Open: March 28, 2025
• Application Deadline: May 5, 2025
• Finalist Selection: May 10 2025
• Winner Selection: June 2025
• Pilot Phase Begins: Summer 2025

Step up, innovate, and become part of the solution that these communities desperately need! Secure your chance to pilot your innovation and transform lives – visit the RISE Riverine Community Resilience Challenge II website to learn more and apply today!

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