Behind the Innovation:
Miami-Dade Public Innovation Authority Tour
On February 24, 2026 we’re excited to bring together a curated group of municipal leaders, government innovators, and civic leaders for a private look at how Miami-Dade County uses pilot-based open innovation challenges to accelerate technology procurement and adoption, manage risk, and deliver measurable impact on quality of life.
Join us for this exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience of how a Public Innovation Authority operates in practice help municipal governments test, validate, and scale emerging technologies within complex public systems. We are thrilled to collaborate with our partners at PortMiami and Miami Innovation Airport and friends at the Cities Today Institute City Innovation Network to curate this learning exchange.
We will convene a candid, off-the-record setting to examine how public agencies are rethinking procurement and technology adoption to deliver stronger, faster results for communities. You will engage with peers to unpack what works in practice and leave with actionable, transferable insights to help move innovation forward in your own city or agency.
Details
Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM (see tentative schedule below)
Format: Concurrent site visits followed by a private reception and facilitated roundtable debrief
Travel note: participants from outside of South Florida should arrange their travel to ensure they arrive in Miami no later than 11:30 AM EDT to ensure timely departure for the tour.
Behind the Innovation Tours
PortMiami (Cargo Visibility Challenge): AI-enabled solutions that improve cargo tracking, coordination, and operational efficiency.
Miami International Airport (Passenger Experience Challenge): technologies that enhance accessibility, navigation, and sustainability.
Who This Is For
This experience is designed for city executives, innovation and technology leaders, and procurement officials as well as civic leaders looking for practical, proven models to advance innovation within local government.
RSVP
This experience is by invitation only. If you are able to join us, please RSVP, register your interest, or contact our team for additional information.
RSVP
Tentative Schedule
1:00PM - Depart for assigned tour from Wynwood Neighborhood (Miami)
2:00PM - Behind the Innovation Tour (PortMiami or Miami International Airport)
4:30PM - Roundtable Debrief
6:00PM - Private Reception
About MDIA
As the first Public Innovation Authority in the United States, MDIA helps public agency leaders de-risk and fast-track the procurement of technology and innovation solutions that enable local governments to more effectively and efficiently address pressing issues that impact resident quality of life. MDIA now supports cities nationwide seeking to adopt similar Public Innovation Authority models.
MDIA has worked closely with Miami-Dade County to validate its novel approach. In less than three years, it has launched 19 public pilots, deployed more than $1 million in funding and attracted more than 525 startups, from 59 different countries, amassing a company pipeline network which collectively represents $7 billion in revenue and $4 billion in funding raised.
MDIA's efforts have generated measurable efficiencies, including a 67% decrease in the procurement cycle time to pilot from an average of 18 months to 6 months or less as well as a solicitation response rate 17x higher than the average RFP.