We are excited to share that Geoneon has been selected as one of the Top 100 global startups for the 2025 QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge, one of the world’s leading GovTech and urban innovation accelerators.
Run by Leading Cities and supported by the QBE Foundation, AcceliCITY is designed to connect high-impact startups with city leaders, expert mentorship, and real-world pilot opportunities. The challenge focuses on innovations that strengthen community resilience, sustainability, and smart urban development. Geoneon was selected from hundreds of applicants across the globe for its work developing satellite-based wildfire hazard and exposure models — tools designed to help cities and communities better prepare for climate-driven risks.
“We are thrilled to be part of the AcceliCITY program,” said Roxane Bandini-Maeder, CEO of Geoneon. “It’s a unique opportunity to grow our global impact by working directly with cities, investors, and experts who are all committed to building more resilient communities.”
A World-Class Program for Urban Innovation
The QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge offers:
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$100,000 in non-equity funding for the top-ranked startup
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Pilot opportunities with cities around the world
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Mentorship from leaders in climate resilience, smart cities, and urban development
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Certification in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) readiness
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Ongoing access to LaunchPad 11, a global innovation ecosystem
The program runs virtually from June to November, with structured training in business operations, investor readiness, public procurement, and smart city strategy. Geoneon will also be eligible for the PropTech Prize, a $25,000 award focused on innovations that mitigate property risk and enhance sustainability in the built environment.
Connecting Innovation with Cities That Need It
AcceliCITY aims to solve a persistent challenge: cities urgently need new tools to address climate risks, but startups often struggle to gain access to municipal decision-makers. This accelerator bridges that gap—helping deploy real solutions in real communities.
With more than $2.2 billion raised and over 21,000 jobs created by alumni startups, the AcceliCITY program has a proven track record of impact. Geoneon is proud to join this network and continue its mission of using AI and satellite imagery to map climate risks at scale.
What’s Next
As one of the Top 100 startups, Geoneon will now participate in the AcceliCITY virtual incubator and engage with global mentors, city leaders, and impact investors. In September, the Top 10 startups will be selected to compete in the final pitch event for the $100,000 Grand Prize and pilot implementation.
We are honoured to represent Australia in this global challenge and look forward to bringing our wildfire resilience tools to new communities worldwide.
