Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) has entered into an agreement with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) to launch the City Architecture for Tomorrow Challenge (CATCH).
This is the region’s first global challenge that will attract innovative, data-driven entries from global participants.
The aim is to raise efficiency in urban planning and drive forward the future of mobility.
CATCH will seek to address mobility challenges in Kuala Lumpur through a global call for solutions. For a period of eight months, participants from start-ups, academic institutions, corporates and even the general public can conceptualise and develop solutions that are dynamic and data-driven to design future city infrastructures.
Surina Shukri, CEO, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, said: “Through CATCH, the global pool of talented start-ups, academics and the world’s brightest minds can develop their next-gen urban digitalisation ideas and accelerate Kuala Lumpur’s evolution into a city of the future.
“The program is in-line with MDEC’s efforts to drive forward the country’s digital economy, catalyse next-gen innovation through Malaysia’s Global Testbed Initiative and reinforce the country’s position as the heart of digital ASEAN.”
TMF will provide grants at every stage of the challenge―up to $1.5 million in total―to support teams towards the development and trial-testing of the solutions in Kuala Lumpur.
Participants will also have access to expert mentors and an incubation programme.
CATCH will provide participants with data to empower them to develop solutions that will be selected in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act.
The data partners consist of both public and private sectors that have different data points along a commuter’s journey such as Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Royal Malaysia Police, Land Public Transport Agency, Grab, MapIT MSC, Mass Rapid Transit Corporation and Prasarana Malaysia.
TMF was established in August 2014 to support the development of a more mobile society. The foundation aims to support strong mobility systems while eliminating disparities in mobility. Programmes include resolving urban transportation problems, expanding the utilisation of personal mobility, and developing solutions for next generation mobility.