Latest news with #YesSF
Business Journals
09-06-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
From idea to impact: How Yes SF continues to spur a new wave of innovation in San Francisco
When Deloitte collaborated with the World Economic Forum, Salesforce, Citi, and the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce to launch the Yes SF initiative in 2023, it was a bit of an experiment in and of itself. The goal? To help revitalize downtown San Francisco by elevating and supporting the growth of leading innovations in urban sustainability and cultivate an ecosystem of organizations to deploy those solutions locally, while supporting innovators through the revitalization jump-starting a local network of start-ups that could spur economic growth and diversify the economy in a way that is better for people and the planet. Just over two years later, the experiment is producing results. Yes SF is spurring a movement The program began as an innovation challenge calling for solutions to many of San Francisco's sustainability and revitalization goals. Fourteen companies — 'Top Innovators' — were chosen from 150 applicants. Since the program's inception, more than $60 million has been invested in San Francisco and many of these Top Innovators, and the momentum continues to build. For example, Butlr, which creates thermal, privacy-first sensors, is now deployed in the Salesforce Tower. it's electric recently launched a new wave of curbside EV charging stations in the city. And BluumBio, Flower Turbines, Urban Machine, Zauben, and more are expanding their presence with local hires and new deployments that are helping to spur San Francisco's economy. Meet the second cohort: Where sustainability meets AI In April, Yes SF announced its second cohort of Top Innovators. The new cohort is centered at the intersection of sustainability and AI. Top Innovators are harnessing data and cutting-edge technology to tackle daunting challenges such as resource management (including energy generation and efficiency and biodegradable packaging) as well as transportation and mobility (including microgrids and autonomous last-mile delivery solutions). The program intentionally choses startups that are early stage but ready to deploy. And, with the broad support Yes SF provides, these founders can build here and help advance the city's collective journey toward urban transformation and sustainability. What companies are getting — and giving back One of the most powerful roles Yes SF plays is convening and connecting San Francisco's innovation ecosystem. When the program began, I don't think any of us anticipated just how deeply the community would lean in. Today, nearly 60 organizations have joined the program, including large corporations and community institutions offering everything from research and development space to marketing support and mentorship. Thanks to the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, Top Innovators can participate in information sessions related to doing business in San Francisco, get help navigating the permitting process, and receive support to build and scale their solutions. They also get visibility at events like Dreamforce, San Francisco Climate Week, and even the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos. That combination of practical support and high-level visibility helps make this initiative quite powerful. Why I'm more hopeful than ever I've spent my career working across the private, public, and social sectors — and I've always believed in the power of collaboration. Yes SF has become a shining example of what's possible when you bring various players to the table. I remain confident in San Francisco's future. I see the energy downtown. I see the collaboration across sectors. And I see a new kind of innovation taking root — one that is local, sustainable, and visionary. San Francisco's next wave of innovators is here and they are just getting started. This publication contains general information only and Deloitte is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business, you should consult a qualified professional advisor. Deloitte shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by any person who relies on this publication. About Deloitte Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ('DTTL'), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as 'Deloitte Global') does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the 'Deloitte' name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see
Business Journals
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Comcast says ‘yes' to San Francisco with community partnership
From its dynamic design to its mission-oriented outlook, Yes SF Headquarters screams 'San Francisco.' Located at the intersection of Montgomery and Bush streets in the heart of Downtown San Francisco, the bustling coworking and event space is designed to foster collaboration within the sustainability, small business and innovation communities. The flexible space is the result of an UpLink Challenge launched in 2023 through collaboration between the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, the World Economic Forum, and corporate sponsors. UpLink is the World Economic Forum's digital platform for entrepreneurs to connect with investors, corporate partners, experts and other organizations that can help them scale. It aims to build ecosystems that enable purpose-driven entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. The UpLink platform served as host for the Yes SF challenge. The challenge called for entrepreneurs to submit sustainable solutions that contribute to the city's needs for an opportunity to receive funding and support. Yes SF Headquarters — a lively community dedicated to revitalizing Downtown San Francisco and modeling the future of sustainable urban living worldwide — was the winning proposal. 'If you want to change the world you need a community, you need a network that are all investing in the future of San Francisco,' said Jeff Merritt, head of urban transformation at the World Economic Forum, at Yes SF's grand opening celebration in November. 'What we've been able to do with this space is actually create an open door for the community.' Yes SF HQ is among the first brick-and-mortar storefronts created in response to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11, which says cities and human settlements should be inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. From the beginning, the Yes SF team recognized that robust connectivity would be essential if the initiative was to succeed. Comcast stepped up as the connectivity partner, equipping the space with blazing-fast, low-latency business fiber at no cost, as well as its secure networking and cybersecurity solutions. 'Comcast has really helped us in this particular space to help create that digital opportunity for people,' said Rodney Fong, president and CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. 'It's tough out there and we want to make sure that everybody has an opportunity from an access perspective.' 'Nowadays, you can't really do anything unless you're connected — unless you're online,' said Alan Goldsmith, California regional vice president at Comcast Business. 'So this is really part of the community initiative to serve those businesses.' The spirit of optimism was on full display at Yes SF HQ on a recent weekday morning as dozens of local innovators gathered for 'Scaling for Success,' a panel and networking event hosted by Comcast Business and the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. 'As you think about Small Business Week and the number of events that many of us have attended this week, this is San Francisco every single week,' said Alex Youn, director of public policy and government affairs at Comcast, in his introductory remarks. 'It's always busy. There are always things going on.' The Yes SF partnership is a highly visible demonstration of Comcast's widespread and ongoing commitment to San Francisco. That commitment includes its sustainability. The company recently unveiled new packaging for its Xfinity products that's designed with sustainability and recyclability in mind. Made with 100% recyclable materials and an eco-friendly, water-based ink, the new 'handshake box' (as it's been dubbed) is made in the United States, which cuts down on emissions associated with shipping overseas. 'We are and have to say 'yes' to so many things,' Fong said. ''Yes' to innovation, 'yes' to sustainability, 'yes' in recognizing that climate change is in our backyard, and again, say 'yes' to San Francisco.' Comcast Business offers leading global businesses the technology solutions and forward-thinking partnership they need. With a full suite of solutions including fast, reliable connectivity, secure networking solutions and advanced cybersecurity and a range of managed service options, Comcast Business is ready to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. Comcast Business has been recognized by leading analyst firms for its continued growth, innovation, and leadership, and is committed to partnering with customers to help them drive their businesses forward. To learn more about Comcast in California visit Aaron Welch is a freelance writer.
