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You've come to the right place.
Smart city innovation does not happen in isolation. It is driven by technologists, researchers, nonprofits, consultants, and industry leaders who help move ideas from concept to real-world impact.
At Leading Cities, we bring these perspectives together across our global ecosystem. Whether you are building enabling technologies, shaping policy, supporting implementation, or contributing expertise, we help you connect, collaborate, and engage where it matters most.
1. We can connect you with the right partners
We can link you to cities, innovators, investors, and other experts across our global network to create meaningful collaborations around real-world challenges.
2. We help you contribute where it matters most
We create opportunities to apply your expertise through pilots, advisory roles, events, and knowledge-sharing initiatives that support practical implementation.
3. We help you stay at the forefront of innovation
We surface emerging trends, solutions, and use cases from across our ecosystem so you can learn, share insights, and shape what comes next.
Here is how Leading Cities supports your journey:
Discover Ways to Engage Across the Ecosystem
Every organization brings different expertise, tools, and perspectives. Whether you are contributing technology, research, policy insight, or implementation support, Leading Cities offers multiple ways to engage with cities, innovators, and investors working on sustainability and resilience.
Our ecosystem is designed to help partners connect, collaborate, and apply their expertise where it can create real-world impact.
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Innovators Thriving With Leading Cities
When our entrepreneurs win, the planet wins – see how our programs have driven success for sustainable and resilient entrepreneurs across the globe
Our Impact
Since its inception, Leading Cities has directly supported, mentored, and provided growth opportunities to over 630 startups, driving real-world impact through innovation, collaboration, and strategic partnerships.
16,000
COMMUNITIES WITHIN THE LEADING CITIES ECOSYSTEM
$3.3 B
TOTAL FUNDING RAISED BY LEADING CITIES' STARTUPS
$620 M
EARNED BY LEADING CITIES' STARTUPS IN 2025
983
PATENTS FILED BY LEADING CITIES' STARTUPS
6,000
JOBS CREATED BY LEADING CITIES' STARTUPS
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Whether you’re a technologist, researcher, nonprofit leader, consultant, or industry specialist, you play a vital role in advancing smart city solutions. Reach out to us at info@leadingcities.org to explore how we can collaborate.
We welcome professionals from across sectors to contribute their expertise—especially through judging roles in the AcceliCITY program, where you'll evaluate high-impact startups and help shape the future of urban innovation.
Yes! We regularly partner with technology providers, research institutions, consultancies, and ecosystem enablers working to advance sustainability and resilience. Email us directly at info@leadingcities.org to start a conversation.
Yes—our programs include virtual forums, curated introductions, and events where you can connect with startups, city leaders, and investors tackling real-world urban challenges. Discover more in our LaunchPad 11 page.
Definitely. Many of our industry partners also serve as mentors, subject-matter experts, and strategic collaborators, providing guidance and opening new doors for startups. Let us know how you’d like to contribute.
You’ll help bridge the gap between innovation and implementation, contribute to climate and social resilience, and become part of a global movement creating smarter, more sustainable communities.