Yes SF Announces 2nd Innovation Challenge Top Innovators
For Immediate Release: April 22, 2025
Media Contact: Emily Abraham, SF Chamber of Commerce, eabraham@sfchamber.com, 916-294-5029
***PRESS RELEASE***
San Francisco, CA – Yes SF, an initiative accelerating sustainable innovation in San Francisco, is proud to announce that 12 Top Innovators have been selected for its second cohort. Chosen by UpLink from 200 applicants, this cohort’s Top Innovators feature solutions that leverage technology like AI and advanced software.
Yes SF launched in 2023 in collaboration with Deloitte, the World Economic Forum, Salesforce, Citi, and the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce with the aim to grow San Francisco’s position as a global leader in groundbreaking urban sustainability solutions. The inaugural challenge selected 14 Top Innovators from nearly 150 applicants, leading to on-the-ground deployments and growth in San Francisco. To date, Yes SF has united more than 50 ecosystem organizations to support innovators and has built a robust ecosystem for innovation generating more than 20 local jobs and driving sustainable community applications.
The 12 selected Top Innovators will have access to two tracks of support: a joint program led by the World Economic Forum and the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce Foundation that will provide a suite of resources to help innovators deploy their solutions, such as introductions to local stakeholders and advisory services; and UpLink’s global innovation network, which will offer visibility, connections, and targeted resources to help innovators grow and scale their solutions.
Additionally, Yes SF is one of Docusign’s first grant recipients through their newly launched Docusign.org Local Impact Fund. Enabled by this fund, Yes SF is also excited to announce that five nonprofit startups addressing sustainability challenges in San Francisco will be joining the broader Yes SF innovator ecosystem. These nonprofit startups will receive critical funding and resources.
“Yes SF is about saying ‘yes’ to a more sustainable and revitalized future for our city,” says Rodney Fong, CEO and President of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. “Through the ecosystem development at Yes SF, we have seen businesses of all sizes and industries come together to support that vision for our future. It is an exciting time for our city.”
These innovators are all part of a wider growing Yes SF ecosystem of over 40 thriving sustainable innovators, which can all utilize coworking and community programming such as workshops, events, and public resources to engage and inspire the broader community at Yes SF’s headquarters at 220 Montgomery.
This milestone arrives during San Francisco Climate Week, as leaders and organizations worldwide focus on accelerating climate solutions. As the movement gains momentum, Yes SF remains committed to empowering innovators, fostering community, and transforming San Francisco into a global hub for sustainable urban revitalization. Yes SF has also set a blueprint for the World Economic Forum’s Yes/Cities initiative aimed at reimagining and transforming urban life, using place-based innovation challenges to support cities around the world.
Founding Collaborators on Yes SF’s Impact:
“Today’s announcement of the second group of Top Innovators indicates another transformative opportunity for positive impact as they build and deploy their sustainable solutions within San Francisco,” says Kwasi Mitchell, Deloitte US Managing Principal—Growth & Purpose. “We’re proud of the progress Yes SF has created in promoting sustainable economic growth and look forward to seeing these solutions evolve to meet the needs of the city.”
“At Docusign, we believe in the power of technology to create positive change. Our support of Yes SF through the Docusign.org Local Impact Fund reflects our dedication to San Francisco and to cultivating an ecosystem where sustainability-focused nonprofits and startups can thrive. We’re excited to see the innovative solutions that this cohort will bring to life,” says Andrea Bouch, Head of Social Impact.
“San Francisco has always been a beacon of innovation, and the Yes San Francisco Urban Sustainability Challenge is proving that local solutions can drive global change.” says John Dutton, Head of UpLink, World Economic Forum. “This second edition builds on a successful inaugural challenge, demonstrating how purpose-driven start-ups can positively impact both urban resilience and economic growth. By empowering local entrepreneurs and fostering ecosystems in San Francisco, we’re aiming to create a blueprint that cities everywhere could replicate to scale their own transformative solutions”
“Cities like San Francisco are showing us what’s possible when we think systemically and act collaboratively,” says Jeff Merritt, Head of Urban Transformation at the World Economic Forum. “Urban sustainability isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s about restoring ecosystems, reconnecting communities, and regenerating opportunity.”
“Yes SF is a powerful example of what’s possible when the corporate community and civic leaders unite around visionary entrepreneurs that are building on the city’s foundation of sustainable innovation. As a founding partner, Salesforce is proud to help foster a new generation of ecopreneurs who are using cutting-edge technology to deliver sustainable impact right here in San Francisco and beyond,” says Hydra Mendoza, Salesforce Vice President of Strategic Relationships in the Office of the Chair and CEO.
For more information on how to get involved with Yes SF, learn more about the innovators, and explore upcoming events at its headquarters downtown, visit yessf.org.
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