IM Accelerator seeking new applicants in transport innovation arena

The ‘Intelligent Mobility Accelerator’ for Start-up’s with innovative solutions to improve the UK transport system, is now taking applications for its next group of businesses.

The Intelligent Mobility Accelerator is a partnership between Connected Places Catapult and Wayra UK, the world-leading start-up accelerator that is part of Telefónica Open Future, based in Milton Keynes. The programme is designed to attract disruptive start-ups with high-growth potential in Transport Innovation for the UK transport sector, helping them grow into world-leading companies.

The programme is also supported by Hyundai, Stagecoach Group and Ferrovial, who will all provide support to start-ups at the Accelerator, including mentoring, coaching, and access to their high-level expertise and networks.

The programme focuses on Intelligent Mobility, including areas such as Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, Connected Infrastructure, new business models, Transport Data and AI. Its goal is to develop companies who will create solutions for the most pressing transport problems facing the world today, improving day-to-day life for millions of travellers while creating new UK-based industry leaders in a £900bn global transport systems market.

Businesses accepted to the programme will receive a six-month support programme, providing office space, mentoring and networking. The successful start-ups will also get access to Wayra UK’s and the CPC’s networks of investors, government agencies, customers, large corporates and universities, as well as opportunities to work with the CPC’s world-leading Data, Visualisation, Customer Experience and Connected and Autonomous Transport capability teams.

Alex Weedon, SME Director at the Connected Places Catapult said:

“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 pipe dreams.

The IM Accelerator Programme has 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, said:

“Transport is broken. For too many people, travel is painful, and technology has the power to change that. Our Intelligent Mobility 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.”

Click here to see read about previous cohort's experience of this Accelerator.