Calling all startups with innovative solutions in the mobility and transport sector to apply for the 2nd Indo-German Bootcamp
This announcement is sponsored by GIZ.
A decade ago, the concept of self driving vehicles was just that: a concept on paper. Today, autonomous vehicles are a reality and on the roads. Similarly, driving through overcrowded and congested urban areas and finding a parking spot used to be a nightmare. But now we have apps that can take over and map out, to the last inch, your entire commute and the exact location where you can park.
These are just small examples of how the smartification of the transportation, mobility and allied sectors is also taking place, as more intelligent technologies are making their way into every aspect of our lives.
Even as the Digital India drive attempts to create smart cities and governments and corporates work to bridge the digital divide between rural and urban India, there is a shortage of intelligent transportation systems that can positively impact the way people in India commute and travel. India has the second-largest road network, fourth-largest rail network and ninth-largest civil aviation market in the world. There is clearly immense potential for innovation and breakthroughs in this sector.
If you have a world-class idea related to innovations in the transport and mobility sector with proof of concept or prototype, apply to the Indo-German Bootcamp being hosted by GIZ India, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, World Resource Institute (WRI), Social Impact, Bosch and Intellecap to be held from 20 March 2017 to 29 March 2017. The last date to apply is January 25 2017.
Why you can’t afford to miss this fantastic opportunity
Earlier in July 2016, GIZ India partnered with Social Impact, Bosch and Intellecap to conduct the first Indo-German Bootcamp in Berlin for startups from the energy sector to foster collaboration between corporates and startups.
The event saw five Indian and five German entrepreneurs collaborating and finding connections, through formal and informal exercises. More than just networking, the focus was on bringing together what belongs together: for instance, participants from India included entrepreneurs who offered diesel-free cooling systems for lorries and software for solar installations, while German participants included companies looking to sell mini wind turbines and biogas stoves. So there was plenty of common ground for the participants to cover.
After the success of the initiative, GIZ has now partnered with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, World Resource Institute (WRI), Social Impact, and partners Bosch and Intellecap, to organise a Bootcamp/Exchange for transportation and mobility startups.
Social impact startups that aim to make a difference in the way people’s everyday lives and basic needs can be improved, need a nurturing ecosystem and all the support they can get in order to bring their ideas and solutions into the mainstream. A global platform such as this will enable them to take their solutions to a wider audience, newer markets and potential partners.
Who will benefit and how
The 10-day bootcamp, to be held at the IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, Kolkata, and the Bosch DNA Accelerator in Bengaluru, is open to startups in the transport and mobility sector with a prototype, a pilot or a proof of concept.
As part of the programme, you will get to participate in workshops on business modelling, capital raising, and tools/techniques to grow your startup, led by Indian and German facilitators (experts and company professionals). Sessions will also include workshops around leadership, intercultural differences (India and Germany), networking skills and pitch training.
Mentors and experts from global corporates will guide you through the development process in one-on-one sessions. You will also get an opportunity to network and learn from industry experts through in-person meetups/site visits. The Bootcamp will also enable you to showcase your product and solution in the best possible manner.
A key advantage is that there are no participation fees, and all travel and accommodation related expenses for participants (one participant per startup) will be borne by GIZ.
With only 10 spots available for five Indian and five German participants from 10 companies, you need to hurry and apply today.
Who can apply
You can, if you are a startup working in the areas of light mobility, e-mobility, smart vehicles including two-wheelers, intelligent transport systems, smart parking assists, last mile connections, mobility for physically challenged people, public transportation systems, and others. Apart from these, if you have an innovative idea for a product/service, evidence of market demand for such a product or service validated by data from a pilot or proof of concept, or have a business growth model demonstrating potential for delivering scalable social and/ or environmental impact, you are also eligible to apply.
How will the finalists be chosen
The applications will evaluated by a panel of Indian and German experts on key parameters including relevance, innovation, potential to scale, sustainability and motivation.
The top applicants selected from India and Germany will be invited to present their idea/ solution to the panel in their respective locations. Based on this pitch, the 10 participants with the highest votes will be invited for the Bootcamp.
The story behind the Bootcamp
For many startups, finding a strategic partner who can help them take the right decision at the right time is a challenge. The first Indo-German Bootcamp held in July 2016 brought together entrepreneurs from both countries working on innovative solutions in renewable energy, and looking to collaborate with other startups and corporates.
“We consider ourselves to be bridge-builders,” says GIZ project manager Eileen Trenkmann. “We want to lend startups a helping hand at an early stage and establish ties with strong partners.”
The common goal behind the programme is to solve the global challenges of the future through increased cross-border collaboration and fostering an ecosystem that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship.
Interested in knowing more about this Bootcamp? You can download the brochure here
Last date for applications: January 25, 2017.
