As we edge closer to Demo Day, excitement is building as we anticipate pitches showcasing ideas that have the potential to transform mobility in Memphis. The applications we’ve received span a variety of themes, including safety across all aspects of mobility, personal vehicle usage and ownership costs, Mobility as a Service (MaaS), and community engagement in this transformative journey.
Regarding safety concerns from door-to-door and along the transportation journey, organizations like Asha’s Refuge and MedHaul ensure access to transportation services, providing safety and accessibility to necessary services by transporting the customer. Daughters of Zion on the other hand ensure that they bring necessary services to their customers. Boom assists in detecting potholes and improving road conditions, while Mobility IQ enhances daily commutes using data and road technology. Tappy Technology aids seniors and individuals with disabilities in commuting safely and independently.
Understanding the total cost of mobility and car ownership is also a focus. My City Rides (MCR) provides a motorcycle and all that is needed to drive it legally and safely on the streets of Memphis. Split EV connects drivers to private property owners for charging solutions, and Koza Energy captures, stores, and distributes micromobility solutions and EV charging.
Several semi-finalists address Mobility as a Service (MaaS). Bhadala, a fintech-enabled platform like Uber and Lyft, Pollen Studios, developing a ridesharing platform connecting neighborhoods to business centers, and PT Carrier Group LLC, a network connecting people with job opportunities beyond the transit system, all bring innovative solutions to the table.
Kudzukian Media Group (KMG) offers a suite of products to tackle communication issues and educate residents using local transportation, reflecting a focus on enhancing transportation safety, accessibility, and affordability. These solutions leverage technology and community-based approaches to address specific mobility challenges in Memphis.
The Ford Urbanite Challenge winners in other cities display similar trends. Mercy Education Project in Detroit aims at community engagement and educating residents in isolated communities and tourists on better navigating the city. AbleLink guides individuals with cognitive disabilities and those facing language barriers. Send-a-ride in Austin allows users like hospitals, caseworkers, and individuals to book rides tailored to specific needs, such as wheelchair accessibility, bilingual drivers, and multiple car seats.
These shared challenges and innovative solutions highlight the importance of learning from each other’s experiences. While government institutions work on larger structural and policy changes, community efforts play a crucial role in achieving better accessibility and mobility for all.
We are excited to hear pitches and collaborate with our partners in Memphis to pilot innovative ideas that will enhance the Memphis mobility scene.