Mobility Innovators Podcast, a part of Mobility Innovation Lab, is dedicated to fostering innovation in the transportation and logistics sector, covering the latest developments in transit tech, cleantech, smart cities, and mobility tech space. The host (Jaspal Singh) will invite innovation managers, industry leaders, startup founders, technology experts, investors, consultants, and thought leaders. Mobility Innovation Lab ( ...
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Many cities and countries globally are setting ambitious targets to achieve net-zero emissions, with mobility and logistics playing a pivotal role in reaching these goals. Fleet operators are confronted with the significant challenge of planning for energy transition, necessitating substantial capital investments in the coming years. However, they must prioritize between various projects and adopt a data-driven approach. Data will also be crucial in ensuring compliance and accessing a rapidly expanding array of climate-based financing products. This will entail leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence to analyze and comprehend the data, enabling informed decision-making and strategic planning for energy transition initiatives. Danielle Walsh is co-founder and CEO of Clearly, a startup based in the UK, which helps the global transportation sector to reach net zero emissions. Clearly is the company with the data and AI stack that enables corporations to actually achieve their net zero targets in the largest part of the economies - transport and anything related to that. It uses AI to gather, combine, and enhance data across the supply chain so companies know exactly where the most emissions are coming from in the fleet; easily assess optimal projects to reduce emissions, and automate the access of shared and cheaper financing. The company is already operating in 8 cities around the world, has more than 50,000 assets under contract, and has tracked over 100 million trips. Prior to founding her venture, she was a Director in TMT Investment Banking at HSBC and led Technology for Future Cities & New Initiatives. She is also an Angel Investor.
The global momentum towards electrification is accelerating, driven by numerous cities setting ambitious net-zero goals. Leveraging advanced technologies can expedite and streamline this process. Digital Twins emerge as a powerful tool for fleet operators, offering the capability to construct real-world scenarios and simulations that precisely reflect the impact of electrification on operations. This enables operators to gain valuable insights into potential challenges and opportunities. The integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence further enhances the optimization of various scenarios, facilitating a more efficient path towards achieving net-zero goals. Daniel Hilson is Founder and CEO of Evenergi and BetterFleet. Evenergi is a company that focuses on accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and helping fleets transition to zero-emission technology. The company works with utilities, governments, and businesses, in implementing EV charging infrastructure and optimizing their energy systems. He also launched BetterFleet to plan, optimize and manage the transition to zero-emission fleet. Before co-founding Evenergi, he worked with some key players including Flow Systems, Veolia Environment and Siemens. He is a lifelong learner and has earned degrees in Environmental Management, Strategic Management and Music & Communication.
The automobile industry is going through a big transformation. Mckinsey coined the term ACES to define that how Automation, Connectivity, Energy transition, and shared mobility will redefine the sector. Technology will change the traditional method of how we purchase and use vehicles. New business models are emerging and new entrants especially technology companies are looking to reshare the industry with Software Defined Vehicles (SDV), autonomy, and electric drive. These changes will also create opportunities for new technology startups and build new ecosystems. Mark Norman is General Partner of FM Capital. FM Capital is a venture capital fund focused on technologies transforming the transportation industry. He is responsible for fund leadership, investment strategy, and portfolio management. Prior to setting up the fund, he was president of Zipcar, where he led the company’s expansion creating the world’s largest carsharing network. He was also the CEO of Flexcar, a vehicle subscription company, CEO and Chairman of Chrysler Canada, and Managing Director of Summit Systems, a European technology startup.
School Bus Transportation is the largest transit system in North America. In the US alone, there are 50 million K-12 students in public schools and there are 5.8 million in private schools. So it's in total it's like 57 million students or kids who need to be transported every day. However, School Bus transportation is facing many challenges including a shortage of bus drivers, funding constraints, and increasing complexity. Technology will play an important role in improving the school bus operation and managing resources optimally. Keith Corso is the Co-founder & CEO of BusRight. He ideated the company in high school and built the foundation for BusRight during his time at Northeastern University in Boston, alongside several other team members. BusRight is a transportation technology startup, reshaping the student transportation industry with its routing software, real-time GPS, dynamic driver navigation, and a bus tracking app for parents. He has held roles on both sides of the venture ecosystem, from serving as the President of the Entrepreneurs Club in college, to working as an Analyst for MassMutual Ventures, a Venture Fellow for Underscore VC, and Venture Director for Origin - a deep tech hub
Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany and is well-known for its busy port, which is among the largest in the world. Hamburg Hochbahn is the public transport operator in the city, operating 111 bus routes and 4 underground lines. The city has launched an ambitious project - Hamburg Takt, which to increase the market share from 22% in 2017 to 30% by 2030. The city is now investing in many innovative projects including GoA4 Metro line and autonomous fleet project. The city is looking to replace 1100 diesel buses with zero-emission buses by 2030. The episode will share “How HOCHBAHN as a key mobility provider is implementing innovative solutions (together with local and regional partners) in Hamburg.” Natalie Rodriguez is Head of Innovation of Hamburg Hochbahn AG, the second largest transport company in Germany. From 2018 until 2021, she was the lead project manager of automated driving, Bus-Segment and was in charge of the HEAT-Project (Hamburg Electric Autonomous Transportation). Natalie has been working for over 15 years in international planning and consulting companies specialized in public transport in Caracas, Lyon, Karlsruhe and since 2011 for the HOCHBAHN holding different positions in the areas of tariff, demand, and revenue estimations; corporate management, project management office, business development and Innovation and Change. She has always tried to combine my love for languages and for Mobility throughout her professional career.