GoAscendal, the strategic advisory mobility firm, has launched a new mobility technology accelerator, GoAscendal Labs
The Cambridgeshire-based programme, co-located with local bus operator, Whippet, aims to develop innovative new technologies targeted at improving mobility, including public transport, cycling and walking in the region.
Sponsored by Ascendal Accelerator Limited, a joint venture between Ascendal Group and the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, GoAscendal Labs is supported with a Combined Authority Business Board investment of £965,000 from the Local Growth Fund.
GoAscendal Labs officially welcomes its first start-up tech organisations – AirLoops by AirLabs, Nemi, Shanti and Tirn.
They will be supported as they develop cutting-edge solutions to, respectively, improve vehicle air quality and health and safety, facilitate demand-responsive public transport, promote gender-inclusive safe walking and cycling, and simulate electric bus operations.
Through these new innovations, GoAscendal Labs will seek to improve transport operations and accessibility, public health and wellbeing, cutting carbon, pollution and congestion and improving the customer experience across a region of more than 850,000 residents. On successful completion of the programme, the technologies could be deployed in other places nationally and globally.
As well as transport improvements, the new facility is offering a place where start-up businesses can locate and grow, supporting the local economy as a hub for transport innovation, and creating new jobs for the region. The programme has a job growth target of 44 employees in the region through the start-up organisations and linked opportunities within two years of completing the programme, and 432 employees within five years.
