New York City is transforming its urban infrastructure into a living laboratory. Through the Environmental Tech Lab program, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has selected 10 companies to pilot cutting-edge solutions across the city's vast water and sewer systems. This initiative represents a strategic pivot toward proactive maintenance, moving away from reactive repairs that often plague aging municipal assets.

The cohort features a diverse array of advanced technologies, ranging from autonomous underwater vehicles designed for reservoir inspection to vehicle-mounted sensors that utilize laser-based imaging (lidar) to map street-level infrastructure. One standout participant, Nyad, provides an AI-powered safety co-pilot to assist wastewater plant operators, while others focus on real-time data analytics for methane leaks and grease-clog prevention. By integrating these tools, the DEP aims to manage over 2 billion gallons of daily water flow more efficiently.

This program highlights the growing GovTech sector, where startups bridge the gap between Silicon Valley innovation and public sector needs. By providing a structured pathway for testing, NYC allows these firms to prove their efficacy in high-stakes, real-world environments like construction sites and pumping plants. The move underscores a broader trend: cities are increasingly relying on localized data processing and automated systems to tackle climate-related operational challenges.

New York City is transforming its urban infrastructure into a living laboratory. Through the Environmental Tech Lab program, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has selected 10 companies to pilot cutting-edge solutions across the city's vast water and sewer systems. This initiative represents a strategic pivot toward proactive maintenance, moving away from reactive repairs that often plague aging municipal assets.

The cohort features a diverse array of advanced technologies, ranging from autonomous underwater vehicles designed for reservoir inspection to vehicle-mounted sensors that utilize laser-based imaging (lidar) to map street-level infrastructure. One standout participant, Nyad, provides an AI-powered safety co-pilot to assist wastewater plant operators, while others focus on real-time data analytics for methane leaks and grease-clog prevention. By integrating these tools, the DEP aims to manage over 2 billion gallons of daily water flow more efficiently.

This program highlights the growing GovTech sector, where startups bridge the gap between Silicon Valley innovation and public sector needs. By providing a structured pathway for testing, NYC allows these firms to prove their efficacy in high-stakes, real-world environments like construction sites and pumping plants. The move underscores a broader trend: cities are increasingly relying on localized data processing and automated systems to tackle climate-related operational challenges.