NEWS RELEASE: City of San José Launches IT Innovation Hub to Fast-Track Technological Solutions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Chelsea Palacio, Public Information Manager, Information Technology Department 408-406-5723; [email protected] Tasha Dean, Chief Communications Officer, Office of Mayor Matt Mahan 510-612-6488, [email protected] City of San José Launches IT Innovation Hub to Fast-Track Technological Solutions New Portal Allows Entrepreneurs to Propose Tech Solutions to Civic Problems Year-Round SAN JOSE, Calif. (September 15, 2025) - The City of San José's Information Technology Department (ITD) launched the IT Innovation Hub, an always open portal where technology companies can pitch solutions to make local government faster, smarter, and more efficient. ITD will review submissions monthly and invite selected vendors to an IT Vendor Day where they can present their ideas virtually. "San José is using technology to make government work better," said Mayor Matt Mahan. "The IT Innovation Hub will accelerate this work by turning the RFI process on its head - instead of the City soliciting ideas infrequently and narrowly, we will be allowing our greatest minds to propose solutions year-round. This bottom-up form of problem-solving will bring more of the innovation our region is known for into City Hall." The vendors selected to participate in an IT Vendor Day will have submissions aligned with the City's Information Technology Plan (2023-2026), strategic priorities, and operational needs. Promising ideas may move forward as pilot projects, advance to a formal Request for Information (RFI), Request for Proposals (RFP), or be incorporated into future City budget proposals. "Our IT Innovation Hub opens the door for technology companies to directly engage with the City in a fair, transparent, and structured way," said City Manager Jennifer Maguire. "We are looking for solutions that innovate our operations and provide measurable benefits to the community we serve." Through the IT Innovation Hub, companies can present solutions ranging from cloud-based and hybrid services to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity tools for both internal operations and public-facing services. All proposals must meet the City's AI Policy, Data Governance Policy, and cybersecurity standards. "We know that good ideas can come from anywhere, and the IT Innovation Hub helps us create space for those ideas to surface," said Chief Information Officer and Director of the Information Technology Department Khaled Tawfik. "As a City, we're committed to leading with transparency, protecting community data, and exploring technologies that improve how we serve San José. This is about sharing, listening, learning, and leading together." The IT Innovation Hub is part of San José's broader effort to put cutting-edge technology to work across city government. Recent deployments of pilots include bus route optimization by the Transportation Department, object detection tools within the Information Technology Department, and a citywide network of Automated License Plate Readers managed by the Police Department. At the same time, San José is investing in its own workforce, offering AI upskilling programs that have already saved thousands of dollars and hundreds of staff hours. To be considered for a future IT Vendor Day, companies must complete the IT Innovation Hub Intake Form on the IT Innovation Hub. For more information or to submit a proposal, visit the IT Innovation Hub or email [email protected]. About the City of San José With almost 1 million residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in the United States and is Northern California's largest city and the 12th largest city in the nation. San José's transformation into a global innovation center has resulted in one of the largest concentrations of technology companies and expertise in the world. About the Information Technology Department The City of San José's Information Technology Department leads the City's technology strategy, infrastructure, and digital services to improve operations and deliver exceptional service to residents, businesses, and visitors. The department is also recognized for its leadership in responsible AI innovation, ensuring that emerging technologies are implemented ethically, transparently, and in ways that protect privacy while delivering real benefits to the community. ###