FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2022
Media Contact:
Esmeralda Bautista, Deputy Communications Director, (510) 631-6934, esmeralda.bautista@sanjoseca.gov
SAN JOSÉ, CA - Today, San José Mayor Sam Liccardo, in partnership with Revivn and the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF), announced a fundraising milestone of more than $130,000 for purchasing new laptops for low-income residents in San José. This innovative “green technology” program partners with technology companies to reduce e-waste by refurbishing old and retired devices before selling them, and then leveraging the profits to buy brand new devices for San José students in need.
“Closing the digital divide for our least-connected residents starts by getting them reliable devices for school and work,” said San José Mayor Sam Liccardo. “This public-private partnership is a model for how our business community can help digitally connect all our neighbors.”
Leveraging the device refurbishment capabilities of Revivn, Mayor Liccardo’s Office of Technology and Innovation (MOTI) and CETF partnered with Silicon Valley technology companies to transform donated unused devices into funding for new computers for low-income residents through the Digital Inclusion Fund. Revivn matches a portion of proceeds for all San José donations. Through this unique philanthropic model, companies are able to participate without a direct financial investment and are able to give within their existing business models.
"Repurposing technology is enabling the world to gain dedicated computer access," said Anthony Serina, Revivn Co-Founder, and Co-Chief Executive Officer. “We continue to invest in refurbishing machines at scale, which is an essential step to expanding our mission"
"We are bridging two gaps: the excess supply of unused hardware enterprises possess and the extraordinary demand for tech access in underserved communities" said John Fazzolari, Revivn Co-Founder who also serves as Co-Chief Executive Officer. “There's plenty of room for us to launch many more of these enterprise partnerships that encourage companies to repurpose their tech for good."
“The innovative partnership established by the Mayor’s Office, Adobe, Revivn, and ServiceNow is a shining success story for ecologically-responsible disposition of retired computing devices that provides a robust revenue stream to assist low-income families get connected to the Internet. It is a model that can easily be replicated and expanded for even greater impact in the community,” said Sunne Wright McPeak, President and CEO, California Emerging Technology Fund.
“At Adobe, our vision of Creativity for All starts with providing access to the tools and resources that individuals need in today’s digital world,” said Toni Vanwinkle, Vice President of Digital Workplace Experiences at Adobe. “Through our partnership with Revivn and the City of San José, we are working to close the digital divide by supporting the technological needs of the community. When we increase those technical resources, we can improve digital literacy efforts and maximize student and workforce outcomes.”
“From high schoolers applying to college to immigrant mothers looking for employment, the devices funded by this partnership are already having a transformative impact on San José residents,” said Clay Garner, Chief Innovation Officer to Mayor Liccardo and Director of MOTI.
The new program provides residents with improved access to devices for school or work while also growing a faster and more reliable digital inclusion revenue stream. To date, the City has distributed more than 10,000 devices through the San José Digital Inclusion Fund.
Click here to read testimonials of the entire Digital Inclusion Fund program.
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About the City of San José
With more than one million residents, San José comprises the 10th largest city in the United States, and one of its most diverse cities. San José’s transformation into a global innovation center in the heart of Silicon Valley has resulted in the world's greatest concentration of technology talent and development.
