From September 6 to 9, Lisbon will host the Velo-cityis the world's largest conference on bicycle mobility, and in this context it now hosts the Smart Pedal PitchThe competition will distinguish the best ideas in this area. The 10 finalists will present their solutions at Velo-city and the winning idea will be tested in a real environment in Lisbon.
O Smart Pedal Pitch is an international call for the most innovative and market-ready technological solutions to shape the future of cycling in cities. Applications are now open and close on August 6thThis is a short deadline which, if justified, may be extended. Participation can be made through this form.
The ideas in the competition must in some way use bicycle-related data to solve local problems, contribute to greater safety while cycling, reduce bicycle theft or improve parking solutions for two-wheelers, and improve bicycle use and logistics through intelligent systems. The selection criteria are based on relevance and scalability, innovation and, finally, resources, skills and experience. To take part in this competition, you must have a company.
The ten best projects will be invited to a final presentation at Velo-city 2021 Lisbon, giving them a global audience for their product. The company with the big winning idea will have the opportunity to carry out an extended "proof of concept" for its innovation on the streets of Lisbon, backed by a complete package of innovation support from local and international partners. At the end of the pilot, the company can expect its product or service to be presented, evaluated and communicated to a global audience of cities, business leaders and sector advocates.
Smart Pedal Pitch had its first edition at the Velo-City 2019 Dublinwith the winning bidders presenting their projects on the streets of the city. In 2021 the Smart Pedal Pitch returns with the support of Lisbon City Council, the European Cyclists' Federation (ECF), Cycling Industries Europe (CIE), the Bicycles and ITS Project (BITS) and other partners.
The awards in detail:
The 10 companies selected are:
- Be invited to the semi-final presentations on September 7th (*);
- To stand out among Velo-city's local and global audience;
- Access to a free STANDARD ticket for 4 days of the event, worth 850 euros (one per finalist company);
- Get a free 3-day extension on STAND UP BOOTH at the Velo-city Exhibition, so you can show your project over the 4 days for 750 euros (saving 2,250 euros);
- Have 15 months' free membership of the CIE's Cycling Innovation Network, the international support network for cycling innovators, start-ups and entrepreneurs (worth at least 750 euros).
The three finalists are:
- Present their solutions at the Velo-city plenary session on September 8, which will also be broadcast live to international conference participants;
- Gain global recognition by appearing in a special article on the finalists, promoted by the CIE and the BITS project.
The winning company will:
- Present your solution on the streets of Lisbon and gain proof of concept in a live environment (**);
- Enjoy six months' free accommodation in an incubation environment during the pilot period;
- Access Lisboa Growth Program where the Lisbon Benefits package gives budding entrepreneurs access to over 500k euros in free benefits from local service providers;
- Receive advice from local experts and partners at the incubator host;
- Showcase your project internationally through the BITS Project and the Cycling Innovation Network;
- Create opportunities for potential international expansion.
(*) Additional financial support to participate in the Velo-city Congress is available in the BITS project for small companies that are based in the North Sea Region and have never participated in the Velo-city Congress. Contact CIE for more information. // (**) Subject to terms and conditions, please read the full Rules and Judging Document for more details.
