How Toyota is Reimagining Sustainable Transport for Venice
In the historic city of Venice, the Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) is spearheading a bold initiative to reshape urban transportation.
The Sustainable Cities Challenge, part of a US$9m global programme, has identified 10 semi-finalists from a pool of 126 international entries to advance its mission of promoting low- and zero-carbon mobility solutions.
“With these 10 semi-finalists now selected, we are excited to join forces with global innovators to explore sustainable transport solutions for the people of Venice,” says Monica Perez Lobo, Director at Toyota Mobility Foundation Europe.
“Even small changes made by many can significantly reduce carbon emissions and enhance the liveability of our cities.”
The challenge is a collaboration between TMF, the City of Venice, Challenge Works and the World Resources Institute (WRI).
It aims to address pressing urban transport challenges by leveraging existing low-carbon options and encouraging behaviour change.
The selection of innovative semi-finalists
The 10 semi-finalists represent a diverse array of technological and behavioural approaches to sustainable transport.
Each team has been awarded a US$50,000 grant to refine their solutions for Venice’s unique urban landscape.
Some notable entries include Betterpoints Ltd, whose behaviour-change technology incentivises eco-friendly actions, and Bikeloop AS, offering secure, smart bicycle parking solutions.
UrbanTide’s AI-driven data analysis platform, uMove, and Nudgd AB’s digital nudging system, further exemplify the cutting-edge approaches in play.
“Sustainable transport solutions are about more than technology — they’re about understanding and meeting the needs of residents who benefit from these systems,” says Kathy Nothstine, Director of Cities and Societies at Challenge Works.
“This challenge gives innovators the chance to test their ideas in a real-world context.”
The finalists also include Instant System SAS, whose Mobility-as-a-Service platform integrates multiple transport options, and Ioki GmbH, a data-driven mobility company focused on tailored transport solutions.
Kooling Technologies Limited’s Every Street tool, My House Geek Pty Ltd’s Bike Party platform and solutions by HCE s.r.l. and Factual Consulting SL round out the list, each offering innovative strategies to foster sustainable mobility habits.
Addressing a global challenge, city by city
Urban mobility remains one of the most critical challenges in the fight against climate change.
Venice, with its historic infrastructure and unique reliance on water-based transport, offers an ideal testing ground for solutions that could be scaled globally.
TMF’s initiative aligns with its broader mission to tackle mobility challenges by fostering collaboration between innovators, local governments and residents.
“With the selection of these 10 semi-finalists, it’s exciting to see how innovators from around the world will respond to the challenge and develop solutions to make Venice a more sustainable city,” says Ben Welle, Director of Integrated Transport and Innovation at the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities.
“The resulting innovations will directly benefit the people of Venice," he explains.
What is the future of urban sustainability?
The Venice leg of the challenge is part of a global initiative that also includes Detroit, Michigan and Varanasi, India.
Each city has unique mobility challenges, yet the overarching goal remains the same: to develop scalable, impactful solutions that reduce carbon footprints and improve urban living standards.
Toyota’s involvement underscores its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Through TMF, the automaker has consistently invested in addressing mobility issues, from its hydrogen fuel cell technology to autonomous vehicle research.
This challenge represents a continuation of Toyota’s efforts to position itself as a leader in sustainable urban solutions.
“We hope that the outcome of this challenge will inspire other cities worldwide to adopt similar practices, helping them overcome their own challenges on the path to a sustainable future,” Monica says.
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