Fondazione CRT, Compagnia di San Paolo, the Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center and Techstars launch first acceleration programme in Europe dedicated to smart mobility

EFC Members Fondazione CRT and Compagnia di San Paolo, along with the Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center and Techstars, have launched Techstars Smart Mobility Accelerator, the first acceleration programme in Europe dedicated to smart mobility.

The programme will last three years and will take place within OGR Tech, the new hub dedicated to innovation at the Officine Grandi Riparazioni (OGR) in Turin, previously renovated by Fondazione CRT .

The focus will be on smart mobility and in particular on the themes of autonomous driving, logistics, infrastructure and smart cities. Furthermore, in line with the commitment of the partners to the circular economy, the business models and technologies enabling the transformation of the circular economy will be prioritised in the final selection.

The programme is the second project undertaken by the partnership announced in early June 2019 between Techstars, Compagnia di San Paolo, Fondazione CRT and Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center to promote the development of Turin as an international ecosystem for innovation and a model of successful innovation in Italy and in Europe, particularly through the OGR Tech, the new innovation hub. The partnership, which saw a first successful event in June at the Techstars Start Up Week powered by OGR, will continue in September with the OGR Techstars Summit, an event that will bring the Techstars network to Turin.

The Managing Director will be Martin Olczyk, Managing Director of previous Techstars acceleration programs, an expert in the world of innovation and startups with particular reference to early stage technological investments.

Fondazione CRT, Compagnia di Sanpaolo and the Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center will support the initiative through their network, resources and expertise to create opportunities for economic development and growth thanks to innovation.

“We are in the middle of a mobility revolution, and smart mobility is a new and revolutionary way of thinking about how human beings, data and goods get around in a cleaner, safer, cheaper, more efficient and convenient way,” said Martin Olczyk. “Turin has developed a thriving startup scene in the last few years, and with the support of Institutions, successful entrepreneurs and corporations focused on innovation, there is a unique level #GiveFirst culture throughout the community that makes this an ideal locale for this program. We are excited to help founders, entrepreneurs, and startups build successful and impactful businesses right here in Turin”.

Applications are open until 13 October, and the programme will take place from January to April next year. Interested startups can collect more information at the following link: https://www.techstars.com/programs/smart-mobility-program/