San José debuts IT Innovation Hub for tech companies to pitch ideas to government

The City of San José’s Information Technology Department shared Monday the launch of its new IT Innovation Hub, an online portal where technology companies can pitch their products and ideas to the city’s local government.

The IT Innovation Hub is a streamlined platform that will help officials in the California city review and manage creative solutions proposed by vendors. Tech companies will be able to present offerings, from cloud-based and hybrid services to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity tools, for both internal operations and public-facing services.

In a news release, the city said hub will help it remain at the forefront of industry advancements, stay informed about emerging innovations and identify opportunities to enhance city services and improve efficiency.   

The city’s technology department will review submissions monthly, and all proposals must meet the city’s AI and Data governance policies and its cybersecurity standards. Submissions will be reviewed for how well they align with the city’s three-year strategic vision in its Information Technology Plan and selected vendors will be invited to an IT vendor day where they can present their ideas virtually.

The city said promising ideas may move forward as pilot projects, be incorporated into future city budget proposals or advance through formal procurement solicitation processes.

The IT Innovation Hub is the latest of San José’s efforts to expand applications of technology to improve efficiency. Earlier this month, the city announced a pilot program for AI software to speed up building permit process, and over the summer, launched its AI Upskilling Program, a 10-week training course designed to help staff use artificial intelligence responsibly and effectively deliver services. The city says the program has already saved thousands of dollars and hundreds of staff hours.

“San José is using technology to make government work better,” Mayor Matt Mahan said in a news release. “The IT Innovation Hub will accelerate this work by turning the RFI process on its head –instead of the City soliciting ideas infrequently and narrowly, we will be allowing our greatest minds to propose solutions year-round. This bottom-up form of problem-solving will bring more of the innovation our region is known for into City Hall.”