CIV:LAB
“CIV:LAB”
_SECTOR: INNOVATIONCIV:LAB’s journey is a testament to the power of strategic collaboration in addressing complex urban and environmental challenges. Born in New York City, the organization identified a crucial need for collaboration among key players in urban innovation. Co-founded and branded by Emergence Creative, CIV:LAB has reshaped how diverse sectors collaborate, sparking significant advancements in urban development.
As the realities of climate change intensified, CIV:LAB pivoted to focus on funding local climate initiatives. The launch of Climate Fund I in 2023, backed by Emergence Creative's marketing and PR efforts, highlights CIV:LAB’s commitment to sustainable community development and positions it as a key player in climate resilience and urban innovation.
Branding | Copywriting | Graphic Design | Strategy | Web Design
_THE CHALLENGE
Founded in the heart of New York City, CIV:LAB was born out of an urgent need. Recognizing that brilliant advancements in urban innovation were happening in academia, the public sector, private companies, and community organizations, we saw that these groups rarely interacted – causing them to miss out on opportunities for collaboration and growth. The potential was immense, yet untapped.
_SEARCHING FOR THE SIGNAL
Inspired by our work on Smart Cities NY, we saw an opportunity to establish a more connected urban technology community within New York City. At the core of this strategy was a simple yet profound insight: to be the missing link in urban innovation.
In partnership with the NYC Economic Development Corporation, Emergence Creative co-founded CIV:LAB as a new nonprofit connector for urban innovation. Together, we set out to bridge these gaps, fostering a collaborative ecosystem that could ignite groundbreaking ideas and solutions.
_EXECUTION
The birth of CIV:LAB was not just about a new organization; it was about a new vision for urban innovation. Branded by Emergence Creative, CIV:LAB became a melting pot for diverse sectors to collaborate.
Central to this effort was The Grid—a community of urban innovators across NYC working on issues as diverse as climate resilience, car traffic, and green housing.
Through town halls and communication channels, this approach has revolutionized the way sectors interact, breaking down barriers and sparking innovation.
_EVOLUTION
With the impact of climate change growing more extreme each year, CIV:LAB saw that local infrastructure across the country lacked the support necessary to protect local communities. So, it pivoted to focus more directly on climate.
In 2023, CIV:LAB launched a Climate Fund I, a first wave of investment in community-based organizations to support initiatives that can have an impact where it’s most needed. Emergence continues to support CIV:LAB through website management, marketing, and PR efforts to promote the groundbreaking work of the Climate Fund.
