TransLink Tomorrow launches inaugural Open Innovation Call

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VANCOUVER, BC — TransLink is looking for the best and brightest new ideas for how we can improve mobility in Metro Vancouver. Today marks the start of TransLink Tomorrow’s first Open Innovation Call, a chance for individuals, companies, non-profits, non-governmental organizations and academic institutions to partner with TransLink on new mobility initiatives.

This is the first of what we expect to be biannual open calls, each with a different theme. We are kicking things off with “Seamless Mobility.” How can our region enable more seamless and efficient, door-to-door mobility for people and goods? Ideas can be at the early concept phase or embodied in an already commercialized product or service.

TransLink staff will then invite those behind the more promising ideas to submit a more detailed proposal, which will be presented to an evaluation panel. If your idea is selected, you may be offered:

  • Support to help further develop your idea;
  • Access to TransLink assets to test or demo your idea;
  • Opportunity to pilot your idea on a larger scale in partnership with TransLink.

Visit Open Innovation Call for details and submission guidelines. The deadline for submissions is 11:59 p.m., July 16, 2018.

In 30 years from now, about one million additional residents are expected to call Metro Vancouver home. The region needs new, innovative and low- cost solutions for keeping congestion down. The Mayors’ Council’s 10-Year Vision has identified exploring new mobility methods as a priority and the Phase One Investment Plan holds funding to help us move forward.

Quote:

Bowinn Ma, Parliamentary Secretary for TransLink and MLA for North Vancouver – Lonsdale –

“It is vital that we continue innovating and working toward better transportation for everyone. New ideas and fresh thinking can keep us moving in the right direction. I’m thrilled that TransLink is taking this initiative, and I can’t wait to see people’s ideas turn into real-world solutions for traffic in Metro Vancouver.”

Sean Simpson, Director, Information Technology, City of Surrey –

“With the pace of technological changes happening today in the transportation world, it is important for TransLink to have a process to keep up with the latest developments and to incorporate the worthwhile ideas. I applaud TransLink on the launch of their first Open Innovation Call – this is a big step forward towards more collaboration between industry, entrepreneurs, academics and government.

Jessie Adcock, Chief Technology Officer, City of Vancouver –
Technology is increasingly playing an important role in our region and in our communities. TransLink’s Open Innovation Call shows a commitment to exploring forward-thinking mobility solutions for the people of Vancouver and the region. I’m looking forward to our ongoing collaboration.”

Kurt Pregler, Chief Information Officer, TransLink

“Like agencies around the world, TransLink is using technology to make transportation more convenient, accessible and enjoyable. It’s an exciting time in transportation, as the innovative use of technology is transforming how we get around our cities. This open innovation call is a great opportunity to collaborate on seamless, integrated mobility solutions for our growing region.”

Bryan Buggey, Acting CEO, Vancouver Economic Commission –

“Vancouver is globally recognized as a hub for innovative, creative and sustainable businesses. We applaud TransLink for creating a unique opportunity that will bring cutting-edge ideas to fruition. We are pleased to support this initiative and look forward to seeing solutions for improved, smart and clean mobility in our region.”

Paulina Cameron, Regional Director, BC, Alberta & Yukon, Futurpreneur Canada –

“TransLink’s Open Innovation Call is an innovative initiative that represents a great opportunity for our young entrepreneurs to realize their ideas and meaningfully contribute to the place they call home. We congratulate TransLink in its efforts and encourage our Futurpreneur community to present their solutions for more seamless and efficient door-to-door mobility for our growing entrepreneurial region.”

Learn More:

TransLink Tomorrow’s Open Innovation Call

Source: TransLink