Intelligent Mobility Accelerator accepting applications for the next cohort

The Intelligent Mobility Accelerator, a programme for start-ups with innovative solutions to improve the UK transport system, is now taking applications for its next group of businesses.

The Intelligent Mobility (IM) Accelerator is a partnership between Connected Places Catapult (CPC) and Wayra UK, the world-leading start-up accelerator that is part of Telefónica Open Future. The programme is designed to support and guide disruptive start-ups with high-growth potential into the UK transport industry, helping them grow into world-leading companies.

The programme is also supported by Hyundai and Amey, who will provide support to start-ups on 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, micro-mobility, electric vehicle infrastructure, urban logistics, new business models, transport data and AI. Its goal is to develop companies that 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 industry leaders in a £1.3 trillion global transport systems market.

Businesses accepted onto the programme will receive a six-month support programme delivered for the most part virtually, with a view to offer office space in London and Milton Keynes when restrictions are relaxed. The successful start-ups will also get access to Wayra UK’s and the CPC’s networks of investors, government agencies, large corporates, universities, as well as opportunities to work with the CPC’s industry-leading mobility, digital and data teams.

Companies that fit the areas of interest, have a digital product or service to sell and have at least one active pilot or client can apply to the programme via the Wayra UK website.

Intelligent Mobility Accelerator successes so far

To date, the IM Accelerator has generated 30 commercial pilots for the 36 start-ups that have previously participated in the programme. Combined, these start-ups have raised over $252M in external investment. Notable success includes kerbside management and mobility technology firm AppyWay, who received strategic investment from Hyundai and the Sumitomo Corporation as part of its total £7.6 million Series A funding round; and, electric vehicle range prediction technology company Spark EV, who received support to trial its technology on Hyundai electric vehicles. These were both a direct result of AppyWay’s and Spark EV’s involvement on the accelerator.

Alex Weedon, Director of SME Development & Academic Engagement at the Connected Places Catapult said: “The transport industry is undergoing its biggest transformation in generations, as technology provides a cleaner and more efficient way of moving people and goods. 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.”

Bruno Moraes, Country Manager of Wayra UK, said: “This programme is the first in the UK to cover all fields related to Intelligent Mobility, supporting data-driven solutions for the most crucial transport problems that we face. The success of this programme would not be possible without our world-class partners. We’re very pleased to continue these partnerships with the launch of Cohort 5 and we also look forward to accelerating the new start-ups in their journeys ahead.”