FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is thrilled to announce the return of the Innovate Green Challenge (formerly known as the Innovate Waste Challenge). Now in its fifth year, this initiative invites Flagstaff entrepreneurs to showcase groundbreaking ideas that promote environmental sustainability. Participants can win up to $30,000 in cash awards for their innovative project. This partnership between the City’s Economic Development and Sustainability teams underscores Flagstaff’s commitment to creative climate action, as this Challenge seeks product or service ideas in the following categories: converting waste into marketable materials, removing or reducing carbon dioxide, or conserving water.
“Flagstaff’s entrepreneurs are some of our best problem-solvers. I’m thrilled that this competition will connect Flagstaff entrepreneurs and their creative products and ideas with funding to jump-start their local businesses,” said Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet, who will also serve as a judge for the competition.
Applications are open to residents and businesses within Flagstaff city limits only. Applications must be submitted online by April 7, 2025. Then, eligible applicants will take part in a pitch competition on April 11 and 12, 2025 in Flagstaff.
To apply, participants are asked to explain their start-up idea, product, or service, their unique selling proposition, and why their product is better than what is already on the market. Applicants must have a business pitch idea in the following categories:
- Building Electrification/Energy-efficiency
- Carbon Dioxide Removal
- Clean Electricity
- Community Resilience
- Decreased Dependence on Cars
- Electric Mobility
- Equitable Systems
- Waste Prevention & Reduction
- Water Conservation
Last year’s awardees include:
FireFlight: FireFlight specializes in using the power of advanced drone technology and spatial data analysis to provide comprehensive wildfire risk assessments specific to the home or business location and the area surrounding it. They have made significant strides in artificial intelligence education and innovation, including launching AI courses and a regional AI group in partnership with Moonshot and Coconino Community College.
Snuffed Wildfire Technology Company: Snuffed Wildfire Tech is making strides in advanced wildfire detection technology to help reduce catastrophic wildfires. The team, which includes Northern Arizona University and Flagstaff professionals, is leveraging innovative lens technology that promises to surpass current detection capabilities.
FLOE SmartFans: FLOE is revolutionizing residential and commercial climate control with its innovative, cost-effective SmartFan system. This system combines temperature sensors with AI-driven fans, to optimize indoor temperatures by harnessing outdoor air at the most efficient times, minimizing energy consumption and reducing utility costs. The SmartFan will be installed in select homes built during the upcoming Habitat for Humanity Northern Arizona’s construction sprint in the Timber Sky neighborhood.
To learn more and to apply, please visit chooseflagstaff.com/innovate-waste for more information.
For questions, please contact Creag Znetko, City of Flagstaff Economic Development Administrator, at cznetko@flagstaffaz.gov or 928-213-2965.