ROTTERDAM, 15 February 2024 – A new chapter unfolds in Rotterdam's innovative landscape as 25 plans receive a boost from CityLab010.
CityLab010 supports Rotterdam initiatives with €1 million
In an effort to foster innovation within Rotterdam, CityLab010, an initiative by the municipality, has provided financial backing to 25 pioneering projects aimed at enhancing the city's vitality. This marks the 9th iteration of the program, which saw over 117 proposals submitted, demonstrating the city's continuous drive towards innovative development.
An independent City Jury selected the final 25 initiatives to receive a collective starting budget of €1 million. This decision underlines Rotterdam's commitment to innovative urban transformation and community-driven projects.
Remarks from the city councillor
Councillor Robert Simons expressed enthusiasm for the city's vibrant innovation scene, highlighted by the latest edition of CityLab010. “The array of innovative plans showcases Rotterdam's dynamism and collective ambition to build a stronger city,” stated Simons. He further encouraged Rotterdam's residents to engage with the initiative, inspiring further contributions to the city's development.
Announcement of 2023 funding
The 2023 start-up budgets were officially announced at OASE, a former CityLab010 participant, by Councillor Robert Simons along with René Bouwmeester and Tania Bhulai from the City Jury. The announcement spotlighted the variety of creative and original initiatives, many addressing current societal issues, furthering CityLab010's goal to empower project initiators with knowledge, advice, networking opportunities, and potential funding.
Highlighted among the funded initiatives are Tide Watches, which repurposes Rotterdam's plastic waste into unique watches in collaboration with their customers, and YoungUP, a social employment agency aimed at assisting those facing employment barriers.
For detailed insights into all initiatives receiving start-up funding in the 2023 round, interested parties are encouraged to check out the full jury report.
Looking ahead: CityLab010's 2024 round
With Councillor Robert Simons overseeing the domains of Port, Economy, Hospitality, and Governance (districts and small communities), CityLab010 is poised for another round of applications in 2024, promising new opportunities for innovative project initiators.
About CityLab010
Since its inception in 2015, CityLab010 has supported over 200 innovative projects contributing to making Rotterdam a more enjoyable, beautiful, greener, more social, safer, and stronger city, with a total investment surpassing €30 million. This program underscores the municipality's commitment to societal advancement through support in knowledge, coaching, networking, and financial grants up to €50,000.
