Miami-Dade Launches Innovative Housing Challenge: Seeking Tech-Driven Solutions

MIAMI, July 14, 2025 – The Miami-Dade Innovation Authority (MDIA), in collaboration with the Miami-Dade County Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD), the Office of Innovation & Economic Development (OIED), and Miami Homes For All, has officially launched its sixth Public Innovation Challenge. This initiative aims to uncover cutting-edge, technology-enhanced solutions that will ease accessibility to affordable housing for Miami-Dade residents.

Challenge Overview

The Public Innovation Challenge is open for proposals from early-to-growth stage companies until September 5, 2025. It specifically focuses on leveraging data and technology to streamline resident placement processes and enhance community engagement.

• Funding: Selected companies can receive $100,000 to validate and test their proposed solutions.
• Website for submissions: Interested companies should apply at MDIA Housing Challenge.

Quotes from Leaders

Leigh-Ann Buchanan, President and CEO of MDIA, emphasized the urgency of the affordable housing crisis:

"Housing is not only a basic human need, but a critical metric of quality of life. Our sixth Public Innovation Challenge empowers innovators to introduce practical tools that assist residents in navigating housing options."

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava echoed this sentiment:

"Innovation is key to tackling the housing crisis. This challenge opens the door for families to access stable and affordable housing with fewer barriers."

Priority Areas for Technological Solutions

The challenge is particularly keen on solutions that can navigate various critical areas:

1. Navigation

• User-friendly platforms to help residents explore housing options.
• Community engagement systems for public input.

2. Optimization

• Digital tools to simplify application submissions.
• Systems that match residents with available units more efficiently.

3. Mapping

• Tools to assist in planning and identifying new affordable housing sites.

Outcomes and Expectations

Nathan Kogon, Director of HCD, stated:

"Through this challenge, we seek to empower residents with better information and faster access, helping us serve families more effectively."

The initiative aligns with the broader goals of Mayor Levine Cava’s Building Blocks for Housing Affordability and WISE305 agendas, ensuring that the delivery of housing support becomes more resident-centered and efficient.

The Need for Innovation

With Miami-Dade County managing over 6,500 public housing units, there’s an evident need for improvement. Recent research prepared by Miami Homes For All reveals a staggering deficit of over 90,000 affordable units for households earning below 80% of the area median income.

Fast-Track Innovation

Since launching in 2023, MDIA has facilitated five public challenges, allocating $1 million in funding and attracting over 440 startups from 55 countries. This broad participation has cultivated a network representing a collective $6.5 billion in revenue.

"Reducing time and overcoming bureaucratic obstacles will make a significant impact," noted Annie Lord, Executive Director of Miami Homes For All.

For more detailed information, visit Miami-Dade Innovation Authority.

Conclusion

The sixth Public Innovation Challenge by MDIA is a stride towards transforming Miami-Dade’s affordable housing framework. By inviting technology-driven solutions, the initiative aims to streamline processes and ensure more residents can access the housing support they desperately need.

Call to Action

Interested innovative companies are encouraged to apply by visiting MDIA Housing Challenge. Together, let’s pave the way to a more affordable housing landscape in Miami-Dade County.