San Jose Technology Demonstration Center

In 2008, San José became the first U.S. city to adopt a Demonstration Partnership Policy, allowing private companies and research institutions to test cleantech prototypes on public land. The San José Demonstration Center, operated by Prospect Silicon Valley within the Environmental Innovation Center (EIC), lets entrepreneurs bring working prototypes for buildings and vehicles that use less energy and emit fewer greenhouse gases to be reviewed by a team of experts and beta-tested by the local government, without the centre investing funds or taking equity in participating companies.

The EIC cost $13 million to build and covers 50,000 ft2, of which Prospect Silicon Valley's section covers 22,500 ft2, including exhibition, conference, laboratory and testing facilities. The programme has partnered with more than 100 local governments and focused the efforts of more than 65 high-impact startups and corporate enterprises, catalysing more than $500 million in venture investment and public funding over 10 years of operation.