Pitchfest: Boston 250

Pitchfest: Boston 250 is an inaugural event connecting government agencies with university faculty for short-term, high-impact projects.
About this Event

What is Pitchfest: Boston 250?

Pitchfest: Boston 250 is an inaugural event co-hosted by Pilot City and the City of Boston, themed around Boston’s role in the American Revolution and the legacy of innovation that is woven throughout the history of the city. The event is designed to connect Boston’s government agencies with regional university faculty to collaborate on innovative, applied research projects.

On October 14th, agency staff are invited to give low-stakes, two-minute pitches on short-term, high-impact projects that could benefit from external expert support. After the event, the Pitchfest team works to “match” agencies with faculty—and we have at least $80K in funding available to support eligible matches and projects. If you are an agency staff member in Boston or a faculty member at a regional university, register now to secure your spot at the event, in person or virtually. An agenda and full list of agency pitches will be published by October 9th.

What is the history of the Pitchfest?

U.S. cities are home to some of the world’s top research universities, but government agencies often do not have an easy way of tapping into that expertise. The Pitchfest aims to close that gap, harnessing the talent of local experts to help government agencies implement more effective and evidence-based programs and policies.

Pilot City has been supporting local partners in co-hosting versions of the Pitchfest since 2024. In total, more than 50 government agencies and more than 800 local experts have participated, and Pilot City has matched those experts to more than 100 projects. This is the first year of Pitchfest: Boston 250.

‍Pitchfest: Boston 250 is part of the broader citywide effort to align and uplift Boston’s revolutionary past and present. It is a yearlong commemoration of Boston’s role in the American Revolution and the legacy of activism and innovation that is woven throughout the history of the city and its people.

How can I participate in the Pitchfest?

Register to attend Pitchfest: Boston 250. The event is free and open to government agency staff and regional university faculty. The event will be held on October 14th in the Boston Public Library’s Rabb Hall, located at 700 Boylston Street, Lower Level in Boston.

Government Agency Staff

If you are an agency staff member who would like to pitch a project, submit a pitch using the one-slide template here via email to [email protected] by September 30th. You will receive confirmation by October 2nd whether your pitch will be included in the event.

Please consult the template for examples of effective pitches. It is okay if your project is just in the idea phase: This is a bottom-up process intended to encourage staff to share in a low-risk environment. Pitching does not commit you to following through on the project.

We welcome more than one pitch per agency. The first staff member to speak from a given agency should introduce the agency to the audience.

Regional University Faculty

Faculty members at regional universities are encouraged to attend the event and explore collaborative opportunities with participating government agencies. Following the event, we will circulate an interest form where you can specify projects that align with your expertise and describe your relevant research background. Submissions will be reviewed by agency staff, who will initiate contact if there is a mutual interest in collaboration.

Once a match is made, faculty may work with their agency partners to apply for up to $40K in funding to support their shared project visions. For more information on how funding decisions are made, see the section below.

What types of projects are in-scope?

Projects are intended to support current or future Boston government programs, policies, or operations. Projects can take many forms and come from any agency, but all must demonstrate meaningful outcomes within a six-month time frame. Below are project themes that are being encouraged by the City of Boston for this year's Pitchfest.

Built Environment

Projects that shape how people move through and experience the city, including traffic and mobility, physical infrastructure, parks and open spaces, and Vision Zero safety initiatives.

Climate

Projects that reduce emissions and build resilience to a changing climate—from adapting infrastructure to heat and flooding, to advancing decarbonization goals across the city.

Regulations & Zoning

Projects that reform or modernize processes related to land use, development, and permitting to make them clearer, faster, and more equitable.

Youth & Early Childhood

Projects that support the wellbeing, development, and opportunities of the city's youngest residents, from early childhood care to programs serving school-age youth.

How does matchmaking work?

See our webpage here for a visual that explains this process in more detail.

How are funding decisions made?

Funding decisions will be made by a judging panel composed of our government partners. Funding applications are jointly submitted by an agency staff member and university faculty member.

Each project is then evaluated for funding based on the degree to which it fulfills the following criteria:

• Addresses a priority need for a Boston government agency, with clearly defined outcomes.
• Includes a sound methodology that is likely to lead to credible findings.
• Is likely to influence an agency's programs, policies, or operations in the near term.
• Is likely to produce novel findings of interest to cities and researchers beyond Boston.
• Commits to securing a letter of support from an agency’s Commissioner or equivalent before funding is disbursed.

What if I have more questions?

If you still have questions about Pitchfest: Boston 250, please contact us at [email protected]. More information about the Pilot City program and its Pitchfest events can be found on Pilot City's home page here.

Agenda

🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Introduction

Info: Hear opening remarks, an explanation of the Pitchfest process, and a preview of the afternoon.

🕑: 01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Pitches

Info: Hear pitches from water agency staff. A full list of pitches will be published by October 9th.

🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Next Steps

Info: Hear closing remarks and next steps.

🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Networking

Info: Hang around to meet with agency staff and university faculty.