Silicon Harlem was founded with one simple yet revolutionary goal: To transform Harlem and other urban markets into technology and innovation hubs to fully engage the digital economy. Since 2013, Silicon Harlem has been working and partnering with the private sector, academia, nonprofits and the greater community to build the next generation of technological infrastructure to meet the challenges that urban centers face today and will face tomorrow.
Through its digital literacy programs, broadband design and deployment, and cutting-edge research projects along with scholarly conferences, educational workshops and community outreach initiatives, Silicon Harlem reaches a multi-generational audience with their technology expertise. Silicon Harlem is committed to designing an efficient advanced technological infrastructure that is resilient, fast and affordable. Silicon Harlem has taken up the challenge to serve not just some but all citizens, by leveraging their ability to decrease capital expenditures and increase the ease of doing business in the community through robust and meaningful community engagement.
ZenFi Networks, an innovative leader of digital infrastructure solutions in the New York and New Jersey metro region, is currently partnered with CityBridge in operating one of the world’s largest public Wi-Fi networks, LinkNYC. ZenFi Networks is currently deploying, operating and expanding its free public Wi-Fi, utilizing LinkNYC smart street furniture across New York City to ensure reliable 5G connectivity. As part of its agreement with the City of New York, ZenFi Networks is obligated to develop publicly accessible digital facilities for social good and is well on its way to fulfilling that responsibility. In February of 2022, ZenFi Networks attended a ribbon cutting event at the Silicon Harlem Innovation Space for People to celebrate the first Gigabit Center in New York City. This Gigabit Center is the first of its kind, and is set to provide high-speed Internet, technology innovation and small business development powered by the free LinkNYC public WiFi. These facilities will provide free public Wi-Fi access via the LinkNYC network, along with digital literacy training, free access to laptops and workstations, and other services to further help bridge the digital divide. This Gigabit Center is a collaboration between the city of New York, ZenFi Networks and its partner organizations, who have big plans for the development of similar gigabit centers across New York City, including the five boroughs.