In a recent Pittsburgh City Council meeting, officials approved a resolution that will allow the city to engage with local startups through the PGH Lab initiative. This program aims to foster innovation by providing selected companies with the opportunity to test their products and services in a real-world municipal setting, with a total budget not exceeding $100,000 over the next year.

The resolution authorizes the mayor and the director of the Department of Innovation and Performance to enter into startup participation agreements with four local companies. Each of these startups will receive $25,000 to develop solutions that address specific community needs. The selected companies include:

1. **Reclamation Factory**: This startup will work on transforming hard-to-recycle plastics into usable public infrastructure, such as benches and public art, in collaboration with the Department of Public Works.

2. **Urban Rain Studio**: They plan to create a framework for implementing digital twin technology, which involves creating virtual models of physical spaces, partnering with Domee for this initiative.

3. **Viridian Limited**: This company aims to develop an interactive map model of treasury sale properties using GIS data and spatial computing, working alongside the Department of Finance.

4. **Make It Home Safe**: This startup is piloting a real-time remote identification app designed to enhance safety and transparency during traffic stops, partnering with the Department of Public Safety.

The PGH Lab program is designed to act as a "first customer" initiative, where the city serves as a testing ground for innovative ideas. By providing these grants, the city hopes to not only support local entrepreneurs but also to implement effective solutions that can improve public services. If successful, these projects may lead to ongoing contracts with the city, further integrating innovative solutions into municipal operations.

This initiative reflects Pittsburgh's commitment to fostering local entrepreneurship and enhancing community services through collaboration with innovative startups. The city council's decision marks a significant step towards leveraging local talent to address pressing urban challenges.