Latest News & Announcements
Stay updated with the latest developments in Digital Mainstreet technology and community innovation.
University City, MO – July 16, 2025 — iNeighborhoods and BEAR Studios today announced a formal collaboration agreement to advance the technologies co-developed over the past three years and officially designate the Delmar Loop as the nation's first Digital Mainstreet.
Building on shared research and development in IoT sensor networks, 4G LTE Community Wi-Fi, streaming video infrastructure, and blockchain-enabled business opportunities, the partnership will:
- Scale the existing Digital District platform for broader public use
- Launch pilot programs with educators, civic groups, and residents to demonstrate "Digital Mainstreet" services
- Leverage student talent through BEAR Studios to prototype and commercialize new applications
"Designating the Delmar Loop as our first Digital Mainstreet recognizes both its rich cultural heritage and its readiness to lead in next-generation community technology. This journey began during the 2016 Delmar Loop Social Impact Hackathon, led by Emre Toker, then-director of the Skandalaris Center. That event sparked the community-driven momentum we're building on today."
— David Sandel, Founder of iNeighborhoods
"This agreement allows our student consultants to turn classroom insights into deployable solutions for a virtual Delmar Loop business, arts, and entertainment corridor. It's a digital district for inclusive, tech-powered revitalization."
— Jalen Patel, BEAR Studios
Further real-world development and proof-of-concept testing took place at Michigan City Area Schools in Michigan City, Indiana, led by Kevin McGuire, Director of Technology Services.
Further details—including a public demo schedule, open-data initiatives, and related business opportunities—will be released later this summer.
About the Organizations
About iNeighborhoods
iNeighborhoods is a St. Louis–based digital community venture that integrates IoT, blockchain, and intelligent community Wi-Fi to build digitally enabled districts that foster economic growth and measurable social impact.
About BEAR Studios
BEAR Studios is a student-run consulting organization at Washington University in St. Louis, offering interdisciplinary talent and services to startups, nonprofits, and corporate innovation teams.
More Updates Coming Soon
Stay tuned for public demo schedules, open-data initiatives, and business opportunity announcements coming this summer.