Smart cities, smart mobility: startups shaping the urban landscape

The Tomorrow Mobility World Congress in Barcelona brought together industry leaders, government officials, researchers, and entrepreneurs to discuss the future of urban mobility. The event highlighted a notable shift in focus: from developing novel transportation methods, such as eVTOLs and hyperloops, to optimising existing urban infrastructure. Attendees explored strategies for accelerating progress towards net-zero emissions, fostering effective partnerships, and improving the economic viability of urban mobility projects.

Among the standout innovations were startups offering solutions to enhance urban mobility and sustainability:

• Karos, a French startup, uses AI-powered carpooling technology to reduce single-occupancy vehicle use. It matches commuters based on preferences and integrates with public transport networks. Drivers earn per journey, and corporations can subsidise the service via a customisable platform for tracking and communications.
• EVARM, a Spanish startup, specialises in converting professional vehicle fleets to alternative fuels like LPG, CNG, and hydrogen. This provides cost-effective, emission-reducing solutions across various industries.
• Zeabuz, from Norway, has developed an advanced autonomy platform for vessels, enabling scalable and certifiable urban ferries. It launched the world’s first autonomous passenger ferries in Stockholm in 2023.
• Nemi, a Spanish company, addresses the challenges of public transport in low-density areas. Its software enables on-demand and hybrid bus services, helping local authorities and operators optimise fleet usage. The solution also enhances rural transport reliability, safety, and accessibility using data-driven insights.
• Parkunload, another Spanish startup, tackles urban parking challenges with a digital platform for short-term parking zones. Using Bluetooth technology, it enables precise zone detection, automatic permit validation, and real-time enforcement. This helps cities reduce illegal parking, streamline traffic flow, and optimise space utilisation.

These startups demonstrate how innovative solutions are shaping smarter, greener urban environments.

Author: Carolina Ramos

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.