Catalyst30 is accelerating Memphis's participation in the global innovation economy through investment in smart city infrastructure - fiber, data and technology solutions - as the fuel for regional and cluster-based entrepreneurship and digital inclusion. This strategy sits at the center of creating meaningful jobs, creating empowering places to live and work, building trust and relationships for an inclusive society, and forging collaborative governance through public and private partnerships -- the four proven keys to building regional innovation economy.
Catalyst30 provides Memphis the opportunity to achieve in 10 years (by 2030) what would normally take 20 years by serving early stage startups, local government, quasi-governmental agencies, corporations, civic institutions, and the residents of Memphis. Catalyst30 builds a better quality of life and a better business environment by using data and technology to solve complex problems in a first-of-its-kind effort.
Memphis faces big challenges
In 20 years, the U.S. grew from 48% having broadband internet to the home to 73%. Today Memphis is at 52%
Memphis has the slowest internet in the country
20% of teens cannot finish their homework because they don’t have internet or a computer
In underserved communities, 45% of teens cannot finish homework due to no internet or computer
Memphis bachelor’s degree attainment lags the U.S. by 20%; for blacks that lag is 45%
Memphis is 47% behind the rest of the U.S. in technology employment
In 2018 $85B in venture capital was deployed; less than 1% was to blacks and 2% to women
Memphis ranks 81 of 100 in advanced industry jobs
Memphis’s GDP has only increased 3% since the year 2000
Our Catalytic Response
Build One of America’s First Digital Cities
- We will digitally connect 38 acres & 30 buildings through fiber and network infrastructure, Wi-Fi, & data-collecting devices
- We will create a neighborhood testbed, connecting hotels, apartments, office buildings, retail, food/beverage, etc. on a central platform
- We will analyze and package data so that stakeholders know how to solve problems and create new solutions
- Initial focus areas: crime and public safety, energy efficiency, connected building technology
The Digital City will Attract Startups, Corporate Innovators, Civic Builders & Talent
- The Digital City is an asset like no other city in the U.S.
- Located in an Opportunity Zone, we will leverage public and private resources
- An Investment Fund will attract additional capital
- We will invest in local young and growing companies
- Corporations and Governments will have the tools to solve their own challenges
- This activity will not only attract, but retain talent and investment
Building an Urban Campus of Innovation
- Dedicate 117k sq.-ft building to co-locate entrepreneurship support organizations, innovation tenants, lab space and startups
- Invite the exceptional to problem solve in a central space
- Innovation conference center will to attract and host events
- Dedicated programming and community engagement to energize downtown
- Lower rents for young creative companies
Create an Onramp for Underserved Communities to Participate
- Connect South City with Internet, computers and empower residents with digital skills training
- Create a 5k sq.-ft technology lab
- Provide digital programming: coding, entrepreneurship, etc.
- Ensure home environments are conducive to being online with digital kits
Partners
Media inquiry or speaking engagement?
To reach our team for a media interview, send your email inquiry to info@catalyst30.com
Catalyst30 Assets
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