Launch
Align your solution with a clearly defined urban challenge.
Elysium × BootUP
Smart City Innovation Program
Build and validate technologies for more intelligent, resilient and human-centered cities by integrating startup innovation with CityOS and a real-world smart-city living lab.
Our mission
Build the urban blueprint of tomorrow
BootUP and Cognitive are identifying startups that can integrate with the CityOS stack, pilot in Elysium’s ethical-AI living lab and scale through a global network of partner cities and developers.
- Submit your solution through the online application
- Complete a CityOS fit and integration review
- Meet technical and commercial leaders if shortlisted
- Co-design a measurable pilot for a real urban environment
Program roadmap
Launch. Connect. Scale.
The program connects startup technology with Cognitive’s CityOS vision, moving from strategic alignment and technical exploration to pilots in a real-world smart-city environment.
Connect
Engage decision-makers, technical experts and ecosystem partners.
Scale
Create a pathway from pilot evidence to broader deployment.
Focus areas
Technology for cities people want to live in
The program is sourcing technologies that can strengthen CityOS across infrastructure, public services, sustainability and resident experience.
Urban sensors & IoT integration
Generate and aggregate real-time data across transportation, utilities, energy and the environment.
BuildingAI enhancements
Improve building intelligence, operating efficiency and the responsiveness of connected urban environments.
Digital twins & simulation
Create dynamic, predictive models of city systems for stronger planning, testing and optimization.
Net-zero & circular economy technology
Support energy efficiency, smart grids, waste minimization and more sustainable resource use.
Mobility & traffic intelligence
Use AI to improve traffic flow, micro-mobility management and multimodal transport integration.
Green materials & urban retrofitting
Advance construction and retrofit approaches for carbon-neutral or regenerative cities.
Personalized interfaces & WooHoo integration
Use voice, AR/VR and mobile-first interfaces to improve access to city services and resident engagement.
Privacy-by-design tools
Enable ethical data collection, transparent AI and meaningful user sovereignty.
AI-driven public services
Deliver personalized nudges, citizen dashboards and tools that strengthen wellbeing, safety and service delivery.
Decentralized ID & urban credentials
Provide secure, verifiable identities for residents, workers and visitors.
Behavioral analytics & urban wellness
Turn data into insight that promotes mental and physical health at individual and community scale.
Citywide AI policy & auditing
Help cities implement, monitor and continually improve ethical AI policies at scale.
Startup benefits
Build with access to the people who can deploy
Elisium acts as a living lab where selected startups can test integration, build credibility and work toward city-scale deployment with the stakeholders who own the challenge.
City-scale integration
Test and refine disruptive technology inside Elysium’s CityOS infrastructure and a real-world living-lab environment.
Strategic funding & credibility
Explore potential investment of up to $5 million while co-developing with Cognitive and building credibility as a smart-city technology partner.
Human-centered mission & access
Collaborate with global leaders on technology that supports human flourishing and gain access to corporate and government decision-makers.
Powered by Elysium
An ecosystem for future-ready cities
- Urban innovation expertise
- Decision-maker access
- Structured pilot design
- Silicon Valley venture support
FAQ
Before you apply
What stage is eligible?
Startups should have a working solution, credible technical feasibility and enough capacity to collaborate on integration and a measurable pilot.
Which geographies can apply?
The program welcomes qualified teams globally.
What does selection consider?
Strategic relevance, evidence, team strength, integration readiness and potential urban impact.
How do I begin?
Submit your solution, team profile and CityOS use case. BootUP reviews strategic fit before arranging a technical and commercial conversation with shortlisted teams.
What support can selected teams receive?
Selected startups can access CityOS integration expertise, pilot design, visibility with corporate and government partners, and potential funding discussions of up to $5 million where appropriate.
Build what’s next