Accelerators
In 2019 The City of Glendale received $1 million from the State of California to launch a tech startup accelerator. After getting feedback from the tech community;start-ups, accelerators, and potential operators, the City launched 2 new accelerators.
The Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
KidsX Digital Health Accelerator
Focusing on advancing digital health innovation for pediatric health and healthcare. The program will provide innovation in a field that is very timely and will serve as the first Pediatric-focused digital health accelerator in the world. Pediatric health services include the use of artificial intelligence, gamification, virtual, augmented or mixed reality, mobile apps, voice-enabled services and remote monitoring, among others.
Hero House Glendale
To implement a non-industry specific “Gateway to LA” program that will focus on international or out-of- state companies looking to expand their product in Southern California. It will also accept applicants from Glendale and/or Southern California. This program will be established by SmartGateVC, and backed by Draper University of Heroes in San Mateo, CA, as well as the Armenian Engineers and Scientists of America.
Would you like to join our growing community of start-ups and services providers who want to be involved in the Glendale Start-Up Tech Accelerator? Join our public “Interest List” and see who else is excited about our new accelerator program.
Background
Request for Proposals
The City of Glendale announced the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) in search of a qualified accelerator operator at the beginning of 2020. Prospective operators were invited to submit a proposal to operate and manage the future accelerator, made possible a $1 million State of California grant procured by Senator Anthony Portantino. The deadline to submit a proposal was Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at 5 pm.
RFP Timeline:
February 6, 2020
Pre-Bid Conference & Onsite Tour (250 N. Orange St.)
February 12, 2020
Written Questions Due by 5pm
February 19, 2020
Response to Written Questions Issued (PDF)
March 11, 2020
Final Proposals Due by 5pm
April 2, 2020
Initial ratings of the proposals. It resulted in narrowing down the pool from 20 to the top nine candidates,
April 14 and 15, 2020
Virtual interviews with nine qualifying candidates.
April 29, 2020
Second round of interviews with final four candidates.
May 2, 2020
Final Selection.
May 19, 2020
City Council unanimously approves the staff recommendation.
Community Outreach
Hundreds of people attended a series of public meetings where we received valuable feedback from the tech community including startups, investors and potential operators.
