DURHAM , N . C . – Four companies will soon bring their new ideas to the City of Durham and Durham County governments by spending the next 16 weeks testing out innovative solutions to local challenges .  
   What You Need to Know
   Innovate Durham has selected SKLLD , MyMatR , Laughing Monitos , and Digital Brilliance Hour for their 2024 program .
   Program allows entrepreneurs and startups to use local government as a lab to test out an idea , product or service while having access to local government staff , data , and facilities .
   The program also helps connect local businesses to resources and build innovation capacity .
   Innovate Durhamhas selected SKLLD , MyMatR , Laughing Monitos , and Digital Brilliance Hour for their 2024 program , which allows entrepreneurs and startups to use local government as a lab to test out an idea , product or service while having access to local government staff , data , and facilities . The program also helps connect local businesses to resources and build innovation capacity .
    Innovate Durham received 28 applications for this year’s program and selected the following four finalists based on their alignment with City and County strategic priorities:
   SKLLD
   Test Case Departments: City of Durham Innovation Team and Durham County Economic Development
   SKLLD aims to expand employment opportunities for historically underemployed groups by partnering with coding and job bootcamps . They will work with the City ' s Innovation Team and Durham County Economic Development to create multimedia résumés for justice - impacted residents .
   MyMatR
   Test Case Department: City of Durham Solid Waste Management Department
   MyMatR has developed a smart waste container that sorts waste into trash or recycling automatically . They will collaborate with the City ' s Solid Waste Management Department to implement these units and gather real - time data .
   Laughing Monitos
   Test Case Department: Durham County Economic Development
   Laughing Monitos provides playgroups focusing on speech and language developmental skills for children 0 - 4 years old . They will work with Durham County Economic Development to offer services to children awaiting formal evaluation .
   Digital Brilliance Hour
   Test Case Department: City of Durham Technology Solutions Department
   Digital Brilliance Hour offers IT workshops and curriculum to uplift marginalized youth , particularly in black and brown communities . They will partner with the City ' s Technology Solutions Department to expand outreach and formalize the student experience evaluation process .
   Durham County Economic Development Coordinator Sabria Futrell expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with these businesses , highlighting the additional support available this year . “Durham County is excited to continue our ongoing partnership with diverse early - stage businesses , ” said Futrell . “This year , program participants have access to expanded technical assistance at no cost , such as business certifications , small business funding , and financial management . These resources , in addition to departmental project support , are sure to take these businesses to the next level . ”
   Assistant Director of Strategy and Innovation Andrew Holland with the City of Durham’s Budget and Management Services Department emphasized the program ' s focus on equity and strategic planning , with the selected companies addressing pressing local issues . “The Innovate Durham Program has continued the long tradition of entrepreneurship and innovation in Durham and has successfully helped dozens of local businesses in recent years , ” said Holland . “The Innovate Durham team has again centered equity and strategic planning in this year’s outreach , application process , and program . The companies selected are working on solutions to Durham’s most pressing challenges such as digital equity and waste reduction . ”
    The program will run until the end of May with regular meetings between the companies , Innovate Durham staff , and partner departments . The program will conclude with a Demo Day event open to the public .
   For more information , visit the
   Innovate Durham webpageor contact Innovation Manager Lyndsay Gavin with the City’s Budget and Management Services Department by
   email
    .
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