#CGITLAB
The Innovation & Technology Department (CGIT) augments capacity for its technology research and innovation, continuous improvement programs, and STEM education, talent pipeline and workforce development initiatives through its Smart City Research Laboratory. CGIT developed its research lab and campus at the city’s Facilities complex, where our team of engineers and experts in various STEM disciplines conduct R&D projects with student interns and research fellows from multiple universities, colleges and schools. We also connect our student interns with career opportunities and with local businesses in Coral Gables and South Florida through our Gables TechTank STEM incubator, launched by CGIT in collaboration with the Economic Development department, local businesses, NPOs and local education institutions.
CGIT staff and our student interns work on projects at the Lab to enhance our smart city systems, technology infrastructure and citizen services leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine learning, virtual/augmented reality, Internet of Things sensors, BIM/VDC and digital twins, 3D printing and additive manufacturing / digital fabrication, drones and autonomous systems, full-stack development and other technologies. Many of the projects developed by our lab staff and student interns are now in production on our city platforms and in use by city departments and the public on our Smart City Hub public platform www.CoralGables.AI. Many of the projects developed by the Lab cohorts are published as online project portfolios, like the ones developed by the Summer 2024 Cohort.
Education and Workforce Development: Building the Tech Talent Pipeline
Our Smart City Research Laboratory provides internships and research opportunities to high school, undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and postdoctoral students. These programs are run in partnership with leading academic institutions. As of 2025, we have had over 170 interns and resident researchers from undergrad and grad programs (computer science, electrical engineering, robotics engineering, software engineering, data science, statistics and mathematics, STEM academies) from both Florida and out-of-state universities/colleges/schools.
We connect our Research Lab interns with career opportunities through our Interns Portal and business bulletins, workforce development events, and other avenues. Our interns portal help connect the interns with jobs, internships and other career opportunities in the Coral Gables business and entrepreneurial community. Many of the CGIT Research Lab projects are showcased on the city’s Smart City Hub and in the Innovation and Technology Bulletin. This program connects businesses, academic institutions, and local talent to upskill professionals in high-demand areas such as cybersecurity, AI, machine learning, data science, and full-stack development, helping participants develop industry-ready skills.
These projects are aligned with CGIT’s strategic goals and deliver real value to city departments and residents. Many of the tools and systems developed by interns are currently in production, improving efficiency and citizen services. Many alumni have gone on to secure careers as software engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity analysts, and IT specialists in high-tech companies and startups. Some have even been hired by the City to continue contributing to our innovation ecosystem. CGIT leverages its Smart City Research Lab as its primary STEM Talent Pipeline.
This program has had a big impact on workforce development, STEM education, job creation, and building an innovation ecosystem in our region. Out CGIT team earned the 2026 Smart 20 Award, the 2025 GeoGov Innovation in Education, Workforce Development, and Capacity Building Award; the 2025 Tech Talent Pipeline Workforce Development Award‚ and the Intelligent Community Full Certification (2025-2027) among other recognitions for these efforts. By investing in mentorship and cutting-edge research through this initiative, CGIT is building the next generation of technology leaders while enhancing the city’s smart infrastructure and services. More information on building the next generation of technology leaders in this paper.
