The
Connectory network supports startups around the globe through its locations in
North America, South America, Europe and Asia. Chicago Connectory member, Sente
Foundry,
is taking advantage of this expansive network to execute their Mobility III Program.
Sente
Foundry is an international innovation platform and one of the first members of
the Chicago Connectory. They work with investor partners, corporations and
institutions to connect startups with innovative, scalable opportunities.
The
Mobility III Program was created in partnership with the Avis Budget Group. It brings
together international startups, global corporations and early-stage investors
to innovate and scale mobility innovations together. The program is designed to
scale-up early-stage international mobility startups via a hands-on, structured
program using Sente's proven methodology, tools, mentors and networks.
The
program is focused on early-stage companies in the following domains.
· Connected Vehicles - software and hardware platforms /
infotainment and related apps, connected vehicle services, connectivity and
infrastructure solutions, HMI, vehicle interior, IoT and smart sensors, etc.
· Autonomous Vehicles - advanced driver assistance
systems, automated and autonomous driving technologies, automated parking
· E-Mobility - battery technology, charging
infrastructure, alternative energies, fleet management, new material sciences
· Urban Mobility - smart city technologies such as
intermodal transportation planning, intelligent traffic management, intelligent
infrastructure
· Mobility Services - vehicle sharing, ride sharing,
parking services, contextual location-based services
The
program kicked off at the London Connectory on
September 9 with workshops and mentoring sessions with the Sente team and
partners, along with a networking event bringing together participating
startups, Transport for London, Bosch and other
corporations and investors.
As
part of the program kickoff, Sente helped the startups refine their business
models and value propositions. Additionally, the startups received 1:1 time
with program partners like Avis Budget Group and the Bosch team at the London
Connectory.
Then,
on Wednesday evening, Sente co-hosted a panel discussion networking event on
the topic of “Data-Driven Mobility”, which included speakers from Transport for
London, Bosch startup Triffix,
and InMotion Ventures. This was a great opportunity to bring ideas and
solutions together in one place from at least 11 different countries.
“As
long-standing Chicago Connectory members, we believe that no one ecosystem has
a monopoly on innovation, especially when it comes to urban mobility. Tapping
into the global network of Connectory communities is perfectly aligned with our
strategy of connecting startups from around the world with the corporations,
cities and investors who are interested in unique, capital efficient innovation
that they may not get from their home ecosystem” stated Gerod Carfantan, COO of
Sente Foundry.
The
program will now continue to Autonomy
Paris
in October. From here, the top five international startups will receive
investments and an invitation to come to the Chicago Connectory in December.
During their time at the Chicago Connectory, these startups will receive
ongoing hands-on support from the Sente team until September 2020.
The
Connectory community is excited to support this program and is looking forward
to the new mobility solutions it creates!