Current Programs

• SmartRiverside is a non-profit organization chaired by Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge and supported by the community to develop technology initiatives and to strengthen Riverside’s technology community.

Through SmartRiverside, programs are provided to technology companies to promote growth and expand business in Riverside. The organization has initiated programs to build the local technology community, bridge the digital divide, and stimulate a greater awareness of technology as a means of greater economic prosperity. The City of Riverside owns, operates, and maintains its own electric utility, which offers electric equipment rebates, energy efficiency incentives, lighting programs, energy management services, and technical assistance.

• Digital Inclusion Program - This program offers three different plans targeting different incomes and need levels to ensure every family and student in Riverside has an opportunity to own a computer. The City hired a designated staff person to coordinate the program. The overall purpose is to “process power” for the people.

• Riverside Technology CEO Forum - Formed by several technology leaders in Riverside who desire a better way to harness technology and business synergies toward mutual goals while improving the local community, this network is leading the way to advance a high-tech environment. They are succeeding by working closely with each other, leading academic institutions and government officials.

Future Programs

Technology Transfer Center/Incubator - The Riverside Innovation Center is a technology incubator that will serve as an innovation hub and launch pad for emerging life science and software companies. By attracting entrepreneurs developing life science and software solutions and providing them with wet lab space, business mentoring, domain expertise, a network of contacts, and business assistance programs, the RIC will become a center for innovation and will help foster the growth of the biotechnology and software sectors in the region.