SecondMuse to lead New York City's BigApps Blockchain Challenge - SecondMuse
close

Before you go,

let's stay connected, don't miss our updates and subscribe to our monthly newsletter:

    SecondMuse is catalyzing the NYC blockchain community with a public-private partnership innovation challenge, fostering long-term success in a volatile and unpredictable industry.

    A huge information gap is plaguing the blockchain industry — a survey of investors by the Global Blockchain Business Council says 63% of senior executives lack an in-depth understanding of blockchain, yet they expect spending on the technology to increase 108% this year.

    In partnership with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), SecondMuse is tackling this issue by catalyzing the NYC blockchain community with a public-private partnership innovation challenge, fostering long-term success in a volatile and unpredictable industry.

    SecondMuse has been selected as the official operator for NYC BigApps Blockchain, a historic NYC civic innovation challenge launched in 2009. Now in its 10th year, BigApps has a long legacy of fostering relationships between startups and government agencies. Past winners include DollarVan and My City Way.

    In 2019, BigApps is focused on finding the best blockchain solutions to NYC government agency problems and inefficiencies. The program will run in conjunction with the opening of the NYC Blockchain Center, a co-working space located in the Flatiron District of Manhattan. The Blockchain Center will be an essential resource to support BigApps programming, mentorship, and business support.

    How big is this opportunity?
    In 2018, NYC blockchain startups received over $500 million in venture capital funding. Additionally, NYCEDC, FuturePerfect Labs, and the Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) opened a physical space on January 10th called the Blockchain Resource Center to provide an “access point” to the blockchain ecosystem by providing mentorship and support.

    What’s the goal?
    NYCEDC and other government agencies have shown strong interest in utilizing blockchain technology to improve their everyday operations. The ultimate goal of the challenge is to start a pilot program with agencies such as the Mayor’s Office of Data Analytics, DoITT, and more. Additionally, as New York City continues to be a thought leader on blockchain technology.

    How can I get involved?
    If you are not yet affiliated with a blockchain startup — fear not. SecondMuse will be holding various workshops and meet-ups that can help lower the barrier to entry to working in blockchain.

    1. Government Workshops — four workshops will be held for those that work in and around NYC government agencies. Blockchain experts will demonstrate the high-level potential of this technology, and attendees will develop 3–5 Challenge Areas that will help shape the Innovation Challenge.
    2. Public Education Series — all are welcome! At these events, the Challenge Areas will be presented to the public and the ideation begins! Blockchain experts will provide in-depth explanations of blockchain technology and its potential use cases for government. This will be a great opportunity to join an existing team or find a potential cofounder.
    3. Innovation Challenge — an open call for entrepreneurs to get involved in city projects. On March 6th, applications will open for NYC BigApps Blockchain. From there, 10 finalists will be selected to present to a panel of judges and city agencies. Cash and in kind prizes will be presented to the cohort, and at least one will be selected to pilot their solution with a NYC government agency!