Incubator Teams to Unveil Transportation Solutions for Worcester

By Samantha Allen TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

WORCESTER — After months of study, teams of volunteers will reveal their ideas next week for improving transportation in Worcester.

Nearly 50 Worcester Incubator for Innovation "fellows" have been brainstorming ways to improve the city's traffic. The group's ideas, to be revealed Jan. 22, will include such things as a database to improve access to health care facilities, a high school competition focused on traffic engineering and a system called "Tasks for Transit" in which people earn bus passes based on their hours volunteering.

The Worcester Incubator for Innovation has National Science Foundation funding and is hosted by the EcoTarium and Clark University.

From 5 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at Union Station, the Worcester fellows — slightly fewer than 50, down from 100 at the start — will host an "innovation launch" to share their ideas. The teams will give short presentations on the seven solutions they have in mind for Worcester.

Director Joyce Kressler said the teams have had since March to meet and discuss ideas, with many of the teams working on their own "in the field" before returning to collaborate with their peers. Participants in the program range in age — from 16 to 72, she said — and come from different institutions, organizations and backgrounds.

In early 2013, the Art of Science Learning group selected Worcester, Chicago and San Diego to host incubators through a $2.6 million NSF grant. The Worcester incubator has focused on transportation, while the Chicago and San Diego teams have focused on other matters.

After the presentations Jan. 22, fellows will have the opportunity to join an "accelerator" program and develop their ideas further for about three to six more months. The event at Union Station, Ms. Kressler said, is an opportunity for teams to share and possibly connect with experts and potential backers.

"It's really pitching it to the public and business community for interest from investors, additional partners, to bring each of these ideas to fruition," she added.

Registration is requested for the Jan. 22 event. Afterward, there will be refreshments and a cash bar.

Contact Samantha Allen at samantha.allen@telegram.com. Follow her on Twitter @SAllen_89

Secret City Interactive

Secret City Interactive (SCI) is working to enhance the quality of life for Worcester residents through augmented reality experiences by connecting Worcester's historic and cultural neighborhoods with its diverse and vibrant communities.

Through the National Science Foundation, The Art of Science Learning sought new transportation solutions to  improve the quality of life for its residents and visitors.

Secret City Interactive was born out of this effort. SCI aims to bring an innovative, interactive, "augmented" experience to anyone traversing the city streets. Worcester is the city of seven hills – each one containing a thousand hidden jewels. How many will you uncover? 

Each SCI hotspot provides the user with a unique, living experience. The content experienced is provided by other local residents and visitors just like you!

In addition to learning a plethora of culturally rich information about any of the neighborhoods in which SCI dwells, the user is encouraged to participate in sharing their own unique “secrets” relevant to the area.

Whether you contribute your unique neighborhood stories or simply want to share your favorite hidden gems in the area, Secret City Interactive is a social media channel that encourages users to interact in their neighborhoods in a very unique way.

Come share your experiences, stories, and city secrets with our Secret City Interactive community. We want to hear from you. Tell us your city's secrets!