Miami-Dade Innovation Authority

MDIA has launched its eighth Public Innovation Challenge, creating new opportunities for innovators to collaborate with the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) on solutions to critical infrastructure needs.

Developed in partnership with WASD, the Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resource Managemnt, and Florida International University's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the challenge focuses on identifying technologies that can be tested and evaluated in real-world operating environments.

Through its challenge model, MDIA helps connect public-sector priorities with emerging technologies, enabling faster testing, validation, and pathways to implementation.

Applications are open through July 15, 2026.

MDIA continues to bring together leaders across industries whose perspectives help shape more forward-thinking and collaborative public systems. Today, we highlight Fred Castonguay of Ports America, whose work and experience reflect the importance of operational efficiency and cross-sector collaboration.

In this reflection, Fred emphasizes the value of combining public sector leadership with private sector support to help new ideas gain traction and move toward implementation. His perspective reinforces the role innovation plays in strengthening how cities operate and adapt to evolving challenges.

Fred also highlights an important point about MDIA’s work: helping people better understand the broader role local government can play in driving innovation and shaping the future of Miami-Dade County. Through initiatives that connect public challenges with innovative solutions, MDIA continues to create space for collaboration, experimentation, and long-term impact.

Learn more about MDIA’s work at https://www.mdia.miami

Applying to a public-sector innovation challenge often comes with questions about eligibility, pilot readiness, funding, and how the process works in practice.

Through the upcoming information session for MDIA Challenge No. 8, participants will have the opportunity to better understand how MDIA works with innovators to evaluate solutions that can be tested in real operational environments alongside public-sector partners.

The challenge is designed for companies with technologies or systems that are beyond the idea stage and ready for implementation, validation, and collaboration within complex infrastructure settings. This includes solutions focused on operational efficiency, predictive systems, resource recovery, and infrastructure modernization across water and sewer operations.

The session will also provide additional context on how MDIA supports selected companies throughout the pilot process and how public innovation challenges can help bridge emerging technologies with institutional needs and long-term community impact.

Applications close Wednesday, July 15, 2026.