The UK’s Intelligent Mobility Accelerator is now taking applications for its second group of startups that will get expert assistance in the development of innovative solutions to help improve the country’s transport system.
Based in Milton Keynes, the IM Accelerator is a partnership between the government-backed Transport Systems Catapult (TSC) and Wayra UK, a world-leading startup accelerator that is part of Telefónica Open Future, a global innovation network that uses the Spanish telecommunications giant’s worldwide resources.
The IM Accelerator program is designed to attract disruptive startups with high-growth potential into the UK transport industry, helping them grow into world-leading companies. The program is also supported by national railway infrastructure operator Network Rail, and global technology consultancy ThoughtWorks, which will both provide support to startups at the Accelerator, including mentoring, coaching, and access to their high-level expertise and networks.
The program focuses on intelligent mobility, including areas such as connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs), connected infrastructure, new business models, transport data and analysis, and artificial intelligence (AI). Businesses accepted to the program will receive a six-month support package, providing office space, mentoring and networking. The successful startups will also get access to Wayra UK’s and the TSCs networks of investors, government agencies, customers, large corporates and universities, as well as opportunities to work with the TSC’s world-leading Data, Visualization, Customer Experience and Connected and Autonomous Transport capability teams.
Current businesses in the IM Accelerator include:
• Cityswifter – provides big data and predictive analytics tools to transport companies, enabling the dynamic scheduling and optimization of urban bus networks;
• Conigital – transport infrastructure integrators developing full-stack driverless vehicle platforms and related intelligent mobility solutions for high traffic destinations;
• Drivernet – a smart logistics network that connects any driver to any customer or site in swift, safe, sustainable ways;
• GoMetro – a smart transport company that creates technology systems with a specific focus on delivering mobility as a flexible service;
• Safr – predicts driver fatigue to prevent accidents, save lives, and save money;
• Synaptiv – a platform that creates services able to be monetized from the data generated by sensors embedded on vehicles;
• Valerann – an economic, plug-and-play, road management system that answers all the current needs of roads operators, while equipping roads to support and monitor autonomous vehicles;
• Zeelo – is an on-demand coach service that allows users to travel direct, when they need to.
“There has never been a better time to innovate in the transport industry. Data processing, connectivity, automation, and smart technology has reached a critical phase which opens the door to better ways of moving people and goods, which have previously been pipedreams,” noted Alex Weedon, SME director at the TSC.
“During the first six months of the IM Accelerator, we have already uncovered innovative thinkers who are ready to lead the way in this new world. We’re excited to be setting out to find the next group of businesses to help make their visions a reality.”
Gary Stewart, director of Wayra UK, commented, “Transport is broken. For too many people, travel is painful, and technology has the power to change that. Our IM Accelerator brings together corporates, government and academics to give entrepreneurs unparalleled access to key stakeholders, who are all united to transform the mobility space and make the travel experience better for everyone. We are excited to lead on this project, because it really can change the world.”
