Launched in April 2021, the IRF Start-Up Label reflects one of IRF's core activities: fostering innovation and progress by providing access to cutting-edge knowledge and expertise. It is designed to support mobility start-ups with high impact potential by helping them showcase their credibility and sustain trust with their clients, investors and employees.
To obtain the label, start-ups will go through an in-depth assessment process. An IRF expert panel will assess each start-up application to determine whether the company can create a significant impact in terms of innovation, safety, efficiency and sustainability, and evaluate the viability of their business model. Laureates of the IRF Start-up Label will benefit from IRF’s official endorsement for three consecutive years.
The FIA Smart Cities Global Start-Up Contest was established in 2017 as part of the FIA Smart Cities initiative aiming to help cities define new models for more sustainable urban mobility. The contest selects each year 18 finalists and four winners among promising mobility-focused start-ups from the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Powered by MassChallenge, it gives the finalists a platform to grow their network and visibility by connecting them to key mobility stakeholders in multinational corporates, government and public institutions.
For Season 5 of the Contest, the IRF will give the finalists an exclusive opportunity to obtain its new Start-Up Label. As a jury member, the IRF will contribute to select the Contest winners but also identify the participating start-up(s) that will be awarded with the IRF Start-Up Label. In doing so, the IRF will pay special attention to start-ups focusing on innovations in the areas of road financing and economics; intelligent transportation systems (ITS); cooperative, connected and automated mobility (CCAM); and road safety, road efficiency and sustainability. During the first year, they will gain professional mentoring on a topic of their choice provided by IRF experts. Start-ups will also be invited to participate in IRF networking events, providing them exposure to relevant stakeholders. During the second and third year, the IRF will assist with bespoke actions aligned with start-ups' priorities.
