The Connectory network supports startups around the globe through its locations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. Chicago Connectory member, Sente Foundry, is taking advantage of this expansive network to execute their Mobility III Program.

Sente Foundry is an international innovation platform and one of the first members of the Chicago Connectory. They work with investor partners, corporations and institutions to connect startups with innovative, scalable opportunities.

The Mobility III Program was created in partnership with the Avis Budget Group. It brings together international startups, global corporations and early-stage investors to innovate and scale mobility innovations together. The program is designed to scale-up early-stage international mobility startups via a hands-on, structured program using Sente’s proven methodology, tools, mentors and networks.

The program is focused on early-stage companies in the following domains.

·       Connected Vehicles – software and hardware platforms / infotainment and related apps, connected vehicle services, connectivity and infrastructure solutions, HMI, vehicle interior, IoT and smart sensors, etc.

·       Autonomous Vehicles – advanced driver assistance systems, automated and autonomous driving technologies, automated parking

·       E-Mobility – battery technology, charging infrastructure, alternative energies, fleet management, new material sciences

·       Urban Mobility – smart city technologies such as intermodal transportation planning, intelligent traffic management, intelligent infrastructure

·       Mobility Services – vehicle sharing, ride sharing, parking services, contextual location-based services

The program kicked off at the London Connectory on September 9 with workshops and mentoring sessions with the Sente team and partners, along with a networking event bringing together participating startups, Transport for London, Bosch and other corporations and investors.

As part of the program kickoff, Sente helped the startups refine their business models and value propositions. Additionally, the startups received 1:1 time with program partners like Avis Budget Group and the Bosch team at the London Connectory.

Then, on Wednesday evening, Sente co-hosted a panel discussion networking event on the topic of “Data-Driven Mobility”, which included speakers from Transport for London, Bosch startup Triffix, and InMotion Ventures. This was a great opportunity to bring ideas and solutions together in one place from at least 11 different countries.

“As long-standing Chicago Connectory members, we believe that no one ecosystem has a monopoly on innovation, especially when it comes to urban mobility. Tapping into the global network of Connectory communities is perfectly aligned with our strategy of connecting startups from around the world with the corporations, cities and investors who are interested in unique, capital efficient innovation that they may not get from their home ecosystem” stated Gerod Carfantan, COO of Sente Foundry.

The program will now continue to Autonomy Paris in October. From here, the top five international startups will receive investments and an invitation to come to the Chicago Connectory in December. During their time at the Chicago Connectory, these startups will receive ongoing hands-on support from the Sente team until September 2020.

The Connectory community is excited to support this program and is looking forward to the new mobility solutions it creates!