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The Innovate PHX Challenge
Sparking Innovation
The Office of Innovation collaborates with Venture Café Phoenix to organize biannual Innovate PHX Challenge hackathons where participants from diverse backgrounds work in teams to address top City priorities. The teams then pitch their innovative solutions to a panel of judges for a chance to win a cash prize and potentially partner with the City to prototype ideas.
Innovations in Neighborhood Food Resilience
January 2026
This sixth Challenge took place January 22, 2026, focusing on innovations in neighborhood-scale food resiliency. Five teams competed for first and second place prizes.
Smart Cities Solutions for the Future of Phoenix
May 2025
The fifth Innovate PHX Challenge in partnership with Venture Café Phoenix invited community innovation teams to design solutions for Smart Cities for Phoenix. The challenge focused on Accessibility, Active Transportation, and Public Spaces to explore solutions that are under City of Phoenix control.
Improving Air Quality
December 2024
The challenge improved air quality with a focus on addressing the top causes of air pollution emissions within Phoenix, including PM2.5 (smoke, soot, smaller dust) and PM10 (dust). Participants explored solutions that are under City of Phoenix control.
Affordable Housing Solutions
June 2024
The Office of Innovation held its third and most recent Innovate PHX Challenge at Venture Café. 34 participants formed six teams to "hack" solutions to expand affordable housing across Phoenix.
Manufactured Shade
December 2023
The Office of Innovation held its second Innovate PHX Challenge at Venture Café. Five innovative teams "hacked" solutions to expand manufactured shade across Phoenix.
Chilled Drinking Water in Public Places
April 2023
The Office of Innovation held its inaugural Innovate PHX Challenge at Venture Café Phoenix with Mayor Kate Gallego. Over 100 innovators "hacked" solutions to expand access to chilled drinking water in public spaces!