CityNavigator is an innovative AI-powered urban workforce mobility and relocation platform seeking experienced advisors for our NSF SBIR funding journey. Our platform will integrate GIS mapping, real-time labor market analytics, and AI to revolutionize how individuals, organizations, and government agencies navigate urban environments (ie how they find information / resources in new cities in planning relocating, etc.). We are in the process of applying for NSF SBIR funding for the proposed startup and working with several experienced consulting groups in the Northeast on the application. Ideally looking for someone located in the Northeast however this is not a firm requirement. The pilot city for the first prototype project developed will be about Boston.
The platform will feature:
- Advanced multidimensional data synthesis engine with NLP capabilities
- Urban Workforce Accessibility Index for granular mobility metrics
- Dynamic data integration from multiple municipal and private sources
- AI-powered personalization for relocation recommendations
- Predictive analytics for neighborhood and workforce trends
Opportunity Structure
We are seeking two key advisor roles to join our team through a staged engagement process:
1. Initial Review Phase (Unpaid):
- Review and provide feedback on NSF SBIR Project Pitch (3-5 pages)
- If pitch is accepted by NSF, review full Phase 1 application
- Opportunity to shape the project's technical and strategic direction through your expertise in this field
- The Phase 1 NSF SBIR Pitch will be completed in the next month or so. Following that, NSF requires 3-5 weeks for consideration of the project idea.
2. NSF SBIR Phase 1 (Paid Position upon funding by NSF):
- Upon successful SBIR funding: 6-12 month contract commitment.
- Technical Advisor: $750/month (5 hours/month)
- Urban Planning Advisor: $500/month (5 hours/month)
3. Future Potential:
- Opportunity for Phase 2 involvement (12-24 months timeline).
- Expanded role and potential FT compensation / partner / equity as a part of $1.25M Award Phase 2 award to commercialize / globalize the software tool. An exciting opportunity!
Roles Available
Technical Advisor
Requirements (Desired):
- Extensive experience in AI/ML and GIS technologies
- Experience with voice integration (Alexa / Google Assistant)
- Background in urban data systems integration
- Understanding of scalable cloud architectures
- Experience with predictive analytics and NLP systems
- If you have commensurate / compatible experience, please don’t hesitate to let us know
Responsibilities:
- Review technical architecture and scalability plans
- Provide guidance on AI/ML and GIS integration strategies
- Advise on data management and security approaches
- Support technical feasibility assessments
Urban Planning Advisor
Requirements (Desired):
- Expertise in urban planning and workforce mobility
- Understanding of municipal data systems and workflows
- Experience with urban analytics and planning tools
- Background in transportation or housing planning
- If you have commensurate / compatible experience, please don’t hesitate to let us know
Responsibilities:
- Advise on urban workforce mobility trends
- Provide feedback on feature prioritization
- Guide market validation strategies
- Support user-centric design decisions
Important Notes
- Candidates should currently be employed or financially stable, as initial review phase is unpaid and there will be up to a 6-8 month waiting period if the initial SBIR Pitch is approved to await final approval of the SBIR Phase 1 grant application. Ideal for a faculty member and/or experienced consultant / technical advisor who wishes to join the journey with an exciting startup.
- Must be available for periodic (remote) reviews and consultations during pitch and application phases
- Long-term commitment potential required for Phase 1 and 2 involvement
- U.S.-based candidates preferred due to NSF requirements
How to Apply
Please provide:
1. Your relevant experience in either relevant technical or urban planning domains
2. Brief statement of interest in the project
3. Confirmation of availability for initial review phase
4. Any previous experience with SBIR/STTR or federal grant projects (desired but not necessary)
5. Current employment status or professional situation
Selection Process
1. Initial review of applications
2. Virtual interview with project lead with finalist(s)
3. Discussion of specific advisory role and expectations
4. Agreement on engagement terms
Note: This is an opportunity to join an innovative, NSF-funded project from its inception, with potential for long-term involvement in shaping the future of urban mobility solutions.