inCitu

inCitu is a New York-based public benefit corporation that operates at the intersection of urban technology and civic engagement. The company provides a platform that transforms complex urban development data, including zoning regulations and architectural plans, into tangible, location-based augmented reality (AR) experiences accessible via smartphones. This approach aims to demystify the city planning process, making it more transparent and inclusive for residents, while providing a powerful communication tool for developers and city governments.

The company was founded in 2020 by Dana Chermesh-Reshef, whose background uniquely positions her to lead this venture. An architect and urban data scientist with a Master's degree from NYU, she also served as an F-15 flight simulator trainer in the Israeli Air Force, an experience that highlighted the power of immersive technologies. Her professional journey includes roles at the New York City Department of City Planning and a tenure as an Entrepreneur-In-Residence at Schmidt Futures, the philanthropic initiative of Eric and Wendy Schmidt, which was a pivotal step in the company's formation. This blend of architecture, data science, and simulation expertise directly informs inCitu's mission to bridge the communication gap in urban development.

inCitu's business model targets three primary client verticals: real estate developers, municipal governments, and other technology companies. For developers and AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) firms, the platform offers a way to present projects to stakeholders and the public, fostering support and gathering feedback. City agencies use the tool to make planning proposals more accessible and to encourage community participation. Revenue is generated through its "inCitu Pro" web-based platform, which allows users to upload 3D models, geolocate them, and receive a QR code for a shareable AR experience, and through integrations with established industry software like Esri's ArcGIS and Autodesk Forma.

The core service allows any user with a smartphone to visualize proposed buildings, infrastructure projects like bridges, or even large-scale rezoning impacts in their real-world context and at a 1:1 scale. This is achieved without the need for specialized headsets or hardware, lowering the barrier to entry for public engagement. The company has facilitated visualizations for diverse projects, including affordable housing in the Bronx, flood protection barriers in Charleston, and a major transit plan in Central Ohio. A significant milestone was achieved when a visualization for a Midtown Manhattan development reached over 100,000 residents, demonstrating the platform's potential for widespread civic reach. In November 2022, the company announced it had raised $2 million in a seed funding round with support from Schmidt Futures and other strategic investors in the real estate and smart city sectors.

Keywords: augmented reality, urban planning, civic technology, real estate technology, proptech, smart cities, community engagement, urban development, 3D visualization, AEC technology, geospatial data, public-private partnership, land use, zoning, stakeholder collaboration, AR platform, city planning, immersive technology, digital placemaking, participatory planning