Coconino News

The City of Flagstaff has announced the return of the Innovate Green Challenge, previously known as the Innovate Waste Challenge. Now in its fifth year, this initiative invites local entrepreneurs to present ideas that promote environmental sustainability. Participants have a chance to win up to $30,000 in cash awards for their innovative projects. This effort is a collaboration between the City's Economic Development and Sustainability teams, highlighting Flagstaff's commitment to climate action. The challenge seeks ideas related to converting waste into marketable materials, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, 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.

Applicants must explain their start-up idea, product or service, unique selling proposition, and why it is better than existing market options. Business pitch ideas should fall within categories such as building electrification/energy-efficiency, carbon dioxide removal, clean electricity, community resilience, decreased dependence on cars, electric mobility, equitable systems, waste prevention & reduction, and water conservation.

Last year's awardees included FireFlight for wildfire risk assessments using drone technology; Snuffed Wildfire Technology Company for advanced wildfire detection technology; and FLOE SmartFans for AI-driven climate control systems.

For more information and application details visit chooseflagstaff.com/innovate-waste. Questions can be directed to Creag Znetko at cznetko@flagstaffaz.gov or 928-213-2965.