Launch of the Mobility Challenge Map: A Challenge Based Framework for Technology & Innovation in Mobility
The EcoMotion Ecosystem Gathering 2024 convened mobility innovators, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs to explore the leading innovation challenges in the mobility sector and how technology and collaboration can solve pressing transportation challenges.
Our aim at EcoMotion is to bridge the knowledge gap between entrepreneurs, investor interests and industry needs. We take a challenge-centric approach to innovation by zooming in to the challenges of the industry to better direct entrepreneurs to tailor their solutions to the market need. At the gathering, EcoMotion officially launched the Mobility Challenge Map.
Through direct interviews with industry tech scouts and investors and from leading mobility industry reports we synthesized the core needs of today’s mobility market to develop the Mobility Sector Challenge Map. Our analysis shows that there are 4 “Driving Forces” which are shaping the development of the mobility sector.
The 4 Driving Forces:
Make mobility sustainable and decarbonized
Make Mobility digitized
Make Mobility efficient and optimized
Make Mobility safe and secure.
The purpose of this map is to bring forward the key challenges of the global mobility industry and bridge the knowledge gap to entrepreneurs & available solutions. Along with the map, EcoMotion published a report to explain the core driving forces for mobility innovation, 11 challenge areas and 29 challenges. Read the report and check out the Digital MarketSq tool.
At the event EcoMotion brought to life the map with pitches by four different industry representatives speaking about their respective challenges in each “Driving Force” and a speed round of pitches from 4 startups, each with a particular solution to a Driving Force.
If you missed the event, here’s what you missed!
What are the industry challenges
1. Advancing Sustainability & Decarbonization Through Climate Tech
Speaker: Amir Horowitz, CEO of ESIL - Environmental Sustainability Innovation Lab
ESIL invests in climate tech startups and connects them with major industry players, including EDF Renewables, Bazan Group, and Johnson Matthey. Their focus areas include:
🚗 Electric Mobility Infrastructure: Expanding EV charging and energy storage.
🛢️ Hydrogen & Sustainable Fuels: Supporting hydrogen-powered transport and synthetic fuels.
✈️ Green Aviation: Innovating in sustainable aviation fuel development.
2. Driving Automotive Innovation with AI & Digitalization
Speaker: Maayan Ekstein, COO of Konnect - Volkswagen Group Innovation Hub TLV
Konnect scouts Israeli tech startups to integrate advanced technologies into Volkswagen’s global automotive ecosystem. Their primary areas of focus are:
🤖 AI-Driven Platforms: Enhancing vehicle intelligence and driving systems.
📱 Digital Interfaces: Transforming the customer experience through digital tech.
🔋 Sustainability & Mobility Ecosystems: Advancing energy-efficient mobility.
3. Optimizing Public Transit Services
Speaker: Or Shin Shinhertz, Head of Group Innovation at Egged
Egged, Israel’s largest public transit operator, is revolutionizing transportation by enhancing:
🚌 Traffic & Route Planning: Creating efficient service lines.
⚡ Energy Efficiency & Fleet Electrification: Reducing the carbon footprint.
👥 Passenger Experience: Improving onboard services and customer engagement.
4. Enhancing Road Safety Through Smart Insurance
Speaker: Rozy Sharon, Head of R&D at Migdal Insurance & Finance
Migdal leverages advanced data tools to manage automotive insurance risks while promoting road safety through:
👀 Driver Monitoring & Early Collision Warnings: Reducing accidents with predictive safety tech.
🚗 Vehicle Diagnostics & Smart Navigation: Preventing vehicle breakdowns through tech-driven insights.
🤝 Collaborative Innovation: Partnering with tech startups, government agencies, and researchers to develop cutting-edge solutions.
Collaboration is the key to building a sustainable, efficient, and safer mobility ecosystem. By connecting startups to the real challenges and pains of the industry, we can accelerate innovation and implement cutting-edge technologies that redefine mobility.
This summary was written by Sebastian Weis.