Toyota introduces urban development and traffic management challenge

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).

The region's first global challenge, it aims to attract innovative, data-driven entries from global participants. The partnership will “raise efficiency in urban planning, and drive forward the future of mobility and enable Kuala Lumpur to “take the lead in developing next-gen urban development and city mobility management for the region”.

CATCH will seek to address mobility challenges in Kuala Lumpur with a global call for solutions, where participants – from start-ups, academic and research institutions to corporates, and the general public –  can “conceptualise and develop solutions that are dynamic, intelligent and data-driven to design future city infrastructures”.

Shin Aoyama, President of Secretariat, Toyota Mobility Foundation, said: "TMF was set up to address mobility issues around the world, using a unique approach driven by sustainability, innovation and partnership. CATCH was designed in partnership with the Malaysian government, to encourage data-driven but human-centred interventions to improve city planning and the mobility ecosystem."

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, catalyze next-gen innovation through Malaysia's Global Testbed Initiative and reinforce the country's position as the Heart of Digital ASEAN."

TMF will be providing grants at every stage of the challenge – up to US$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 program.