About City Champions:-

City Champions is an initiative by Josh Talks, supported by Omidyar Network India, focused on identifying, supporting and helping accelerate funding for organisations working at the forefront of grassroot urban development in India, while also celebrating their impactful work through extensive media coverage.

The problem we are solving:-

By 2036, 600 million people will be living in urban cities in India, representing 40 percent of the population. This is likely to put additional pressure on the already stretched urban infrastructure and services of Indian cities – with more demand for clean drinking water, reliable power supply, efficient and safe road transport amongst others. Indeed, building the necessary infrastructure is key for creating livable, climate-resilient and inclusive cities that drive the economy forward.

There are several grassroot organisations that are working towards achieving this and therefore, it is essential to acknowledge, fund and support the work of the unsung heroes building inclusive, livable, safer and sustainable cities.

The solutions we are looking for:-

We seek high-impact, high-growth potential, for-profit organisations that address challenges of urbanisation and are working towards advancing climate-resilient cities. Specifically, we are looking at organisations working across the following 6 thematic areas:

1. Public Safety: This thematic sector encompasses initiatives aimed at ensuring the security and protection of citizens, infrastructure, and assets. We are looking for solutions focused on crime prevention, disaster preparedness and response mgt., fire safety, road safety, emergency medical services and cyber security solutions for urban environments.

2. Climate Action: This sector focuses on solutions around renewable energy, managing air pollution, sustainable waste management practices with technology driving the impact.

3. Water and Sanitation: This sector aims to recognise an organisation-led idea that is providing clean drinking water to citizens, working towards rainwater harvesting & water conservation initiatives, sanitation & sewage management solutions, promoting water reuse & recycling.

4. City Planning: The focus areas of this sector are smart city development initiatives, affordable housing projects, sustainable urban mobility plans (promoting cycling, pedestrian infrastructure), slum rehabilitation & regeneration programs.

5. City Welfare: This sector aims to recognise an organisation working towards maintaining public places like - lakes, parks, amongst others.

6. Youth and Children Welfare: This sector focuses on child education & development programs, skill development & employability initiatives for youth, providing safe spaces & recreational activities for children, programs addressing child abuse & exploitation.

7. Urban Public Transport: This sector aims to recognise an organisation developing efficient & affordable public transportation systems, promoting last-mile connectivity solutions, integrating different modes of transport (buses, metros, cycling), making public transport accessible for people with disabilities.

8. Sustainable Infrastructure: Focus areas for this sector includes green building practices & materials, developing climate-resilient infrastructure.

The opportunity for organisations:-

1. Strategic mentorship: Through virtual and physical sessions, access guidance from seasoned professionals to navigate challenges, build capacity and accelerate organisational development.

2. Market connect: Enable connections with collaborators and markets for business growth, which includes expansion in new verticals and geographies.

3. Access to funders: Present projects to a diverse audience on demo day, amplifying visibility, attracting potential partners, and securing funding for continued growth and success.

4. Visibility and recognition: Gain public recognition and visibility for your organisation through sustained media coverage.