Public Innovation Challenges

Repurposing Sargassum

Launched in July 2023, MDIA's inaugural Public Innovation Challenge sought sustainable solutions to repurpose sargassum seaweed, which poses environmental and economic challenges along Florida's coastlines. The initiative awarded $100,000 each to selected startups - Algas Organics, CarbonWave, Chemergy, and XMET – to pilot technologies that transform sargassum into valuable products, such as fertilizers and bioplastics, aligning with Miami-Dade County's zero-waste objectives.

Total submissions received: 57

  • Applicant pool revenue: $251 M

  • Applicant pool average revenue: $4M

  • Cumulative funding to date: $312M

  • Average funding to date: $5M

  • Cumulative No. Customers: 927

  • Countries represented in applicant pool: 11

  • Florida based companies: 57%

  • Under-resourced founders: 50%

  • Established approve DERM methods and standards for organic waste processing in Miami-Dade County

Airport Passenger Experience

Initiated in December 2023, MDIA's second Public Innovation Challenge focused on enhancing the passenger experience at Miami International Airport (MIA). The challenge targeted solutions in accessibility, navigation, and sustainability to accommodate MIA's growing passenger volume. Three startups—RouteMe, Signapse, and Mapsted—were each awarded $100,000 to pilot technologies such as AI-driven navigation, sign language translation, and smart wayfinding systems, aiming to create a more inclusive and efficient airport environment.

  • Total submissions received: 136

  • Applicant pool revenue: $5B

  • Applicant pool average revenue: $39M

  • Cumulative funding to date: $539M

  • Average funding to date: $4M

  • Cumulative No. Customers: 545K

  • Countries represented in applicant pool: 29

  • Under-resourced founders: 60%

Cargo Visibility

In February 2024, MDIA launched a Public Innovation Challenge in partnership with PortMiami to improve cargo visibility through real-time, public-data-powered solutions. The four winning startups—Argu Eye Ltd, Conbo.ai, GenLogs and GridMatrix —each received $100,000 to pilot AI and software platforms that enhance cargo tracking, streamline communication across stakeholders, and increase operational efficiency at one of the nation’s busiest seaports. The challenge supports PortMiami’s long-term vision for smart port transformation.

  • Total submissions received: 51

  • Applicant pool revenue: $86M

  • Applicant pool average revenue: $4M

  • Cumulative funding to date: $200M

  • Average funding to date: $4M

  • Cumulative No. Customers: 10K

  • Countries represented in applicant pool: 12

  • Under-resourced founders: 62%

Enhancing Transportation Visibility

Launched in October 2024, MDIA’s fourth Public Innovation Challenge—run in partnership with Miami-Dade’s Department of Transportation and Public Works—sought technologies to improve traffic visibility and mobility during high-demand events. Selected startups received $100,000 each to pilot solutions using AI, sensors, and predictive analytics to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and optimize urban transit flow.

  • Total submissions received: 94

  • Applicant pool total revenue: $451M*

  • Applicant pool average revenue: $4.8M*

  • Cumulative funding to date: $636M

  • Average funding to date: $6.5M

  • Cumulative No. Customers: 18,000

  • Cumulative No. Employees: 1,944

  • Countries represented in applicant pool: 18

  • Underrepresented backgrounds: 70%

*Self reported data has not been validated through 3rd party research

Propelling Waste Diversion

Launched in March 2025, MDIA’s fifth Public Innovation Challenge—run in partnership with Miami-Dade’s Department Solid Waste Management—sought solutions to divert waste from landfills and promote recycling across Miami-Dade. Selected startups received $100,000 each to pilot solutions using AI, sensors, and predictive analytics to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and optimize urban transit flow.

  • Total submissions received: 86

  • Applicant pool total revenue: $152M*

  • Applicant pool average revenue: $2M*

  • Cumulative funding to date: $734M*

  • Average funding to date: $9M*

  • Cumulative No. Customers: 85,000+

  • Cumulative No. Employees: 995

  • Countries represented in applicant pool: 18

*Self reported data has not been validated through 3rd party research