An 18-month pilot programme has been launched to match technical experts from Transport for London (TfL) and Bosch with a range of start-ups in a bid to revamp the capital’s transport network and tackle issues in the future.
TfL hopes to harness new talent to keep the capital’s economy thriving and allow planners to keep on top of cutting-edge data and technology to develop innovative transport solutions.
The mayor of London Sadiq Khan says he sees the new collaborative approach as enabler in establishing London as a new ”test bed city” for innovation.
With forecasts predicting the capital to reach 10.8 million people by 2041, new ideas around more efficient greener and safer vehicles, reducing congestion and encouraging more people to walk, cycle and take public transport across London are needed.
Throughout the collaboration, TfL will provide technical knowledge and a wide range of datasets to allow companies to test ideas and understand patterns in more detail than has previously been possible.
While Bosch will dedicate urban mobility professionals to provide technical expertise, guidance and mentoring. Bosch will also provide dedicated space for TfL and selected start-ups within their new ‘Connectory’ facility in Shoreditch.
Commenting on the partnership, Khan said: “This initiative will foster closer working between London’s tech sector and other leading tech cities. If we are to use data and smart technology to help solve the biggest problems our city faces, it’s crucial we take a more collaborative approach. I see London’s future as a global ‘test-bed city’ for civic innovation, where the best ideas are developed, amplified and scaled.”
Arun Srinivasan, executive vice president and head of Mobility Solutions at Bosch UK, said: “We believe that the collaboration between Bosch and TfL will enable us to accelerate the development of technologies, products and services that have a positive impact on city life. We are very excited that Bosch’s ‘Connectory’ in London will get a focus on urban mobility, helping to solve the challenges at work in this great city, alongside a range of influential partners.”