MISSION

The core mission of STIR is to bring together government and startups to explore ways to use technology to make government more accountable, efficient and responsive.

MEET THE 2014 TEAMS & PRODUCTS

Technology has been the biggest driver of productivity and innovation gains in many sectors - with government being a notable exception. The nascent govtech ecosystem lacks one critical element - access to the needs and mechanics of the government customer. To bridge this gap, the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Civic Innovation created the Startup in Residence (STIR) program.

STIR connects the public sector directly to innovative technology entrepreneurs to help solve challenges faced by City government. For 16 weeks, startups help departments unpack issues with data analysis and prototype solutions refined through user testing. Startups gain insight into civic needs to develop products that support critical community services.

The 2014 edition of STIR brought 6 startups from around the world to San Francisco to volunteer their time with City departments to tackle civic challenges with new technology tools and services. Teams created apps to enhance airport navigation for the blind, police field interviews, multi-lingual emergency alert messaging, and indoor air quality monitoring.

STIR is managed by the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Civic Innovation (SF MOCI). In 2015, the US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration awarded the City & County of San Francisco a 3 year grant to scale the Startup in Residence program to Oakland, San Leandro, and West Sacramento. STIR Partner Cities have identified civic challenges and staff that will work with startups to expand the gov tech marketplace throughout the region.