Here’s how Mobility Lab secures launching customers for mobility and logistics startups

Do you have a startup that solves problems in the mobility, infrastructure or logistics sector? Do you already have a prototype, but no tools, money or network to properly test? Then it is time to stop talking about your product, and start testing. Sign up for Mobility Lab and join forces with some major Dutch local governments, mobility organisations, and companies. Get the guidance you need from experienced veterans in the industry and run an actual pilot to get your product ready for the market.

Mobility Lab is a startup programme that aims to get innovative mobility prototypes and sustainable solutions to the market and helps to scale up your startup with launching customers. The goal is to help startups to deploy their product and test it in real-life situations with real users. At the same time this challenges existing organisations to think outside the box while solving their mobility problems.

Challenges from the government, University, and a fairytale world

Mobility Lab has already selected over 40 launching customers; companies and organisations that have particular challenges concerning mobility. These launching customers are big names, with several significant problems to solve. Maybe your prototype could be the answer they’re waiting for. Apart from local and regional governments that want your help with their mobility and infrastructure challenges, there are also large companies looking for solutions.

For instance, event venue Ahoy Rotterdam wants to test a solution to reduce peak moments and spread the flow of traffic during their significant events. And the fairytale world of amusement park De Efteling is looking for a smart solution that makes their visitors move through the park more efficiently. The University of Eindhoven is looking for a smart way to warn cyclists when they leave their bike in a forbidden spot in the city. There are also challenges from the railway company ProRail and the Port of Rotterdam that need solving, ranging from smart mobility, sustainability, infrastructure, and logistics.

Follow in the footsteps of Feetzdock, Felyx and Navya

This is the third edition of the Mobility Lab programme. In previous years several startups got to test their prototype and eventually progressed to successful market launch. For example, in 2017 startup Feetzdock got to test their automated bicycle storage solution. Last year, Felyx was one of the 15 startups that joined Mobility Lab and ran a successful pilot with their electric scooter. Felyx went on to secure millions in funding, and their scooters are currently driving around three major cities in the Netherlands. Also part of the programme was French startup Navya, that got to test their autonomous shuttle buses on a proper road.

Startups will pitch their prototype to the 40 launching customers. After that, a group of judges will make a selection of 15 startups and match them with an available challenge, if possible. The selected startups will get all the guidance they need to test their product properly and they can receive an initial ‘early phase’ funding of €25.000 in convertible notes. The launching customer a startup is working with will cover costs of the pilot if necessary.

Mobility Lab will support the cooperation between the startup and the launching customer. They will provide guidance by seasoned experts that match the phase the pilot is currently in. This way startups will receive not only solid advice on how to run their pilot but also gain valuable insights for instance on how to handle their marketing and PR.

Apply now, before February 28th

If you are a mobility startup with a product ready for testing, you can apply here to join the challenge. Deadline to apply is February 28th. The programme focuses on the areas of Rotterdam, The Hague, and North Brabant, but applying startups don’t need to be from those areas, or even from The Netherlands. The programme is open to everyone, just be prepared to spend a lot of time in those areas. The programme will last for 9 months of serious testing after which you will be ready for the market.

This article is produced in collaboration with Mobility Lab. Read more about our partnering opportunities.