Sustainable Cities Challenge launches $9 million global challenge to cities

In partnership with Toyota Mobility Foundation and World Resources Institute, we are thrilled to launch the Sustainable Cities Challenge, aimed at creating safe, inclusive and sustainable mobility solutions in cities around the world.

This innovation challenge will unlock $9 million in funding to improve the accessibility of transport services, advance low-carbon transport and build resilient transport systems.

A SUSTAINABLE URBAN FUTURE

In the face of rapid urbanisation and the urgency of the climate crisis, we need more sustainable, resilient, connected ways to help people get around and access the goods and services that growing, diverse urban populations need.

The climate crisis calls for rapid decarbonization

Transport accounts for 16% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the majority of which comes from passenger travel on our roads. With increasing numbers of cities and nations striving to meet net-zero goals, we need to decarbonise our transport and mobility systems, make active travel more accessible and usable, and create better ways to help people move around efficiently and sustainably.

We need more equitable, inclusive mobility solutions to tackle rising inequalities

Mobility plays a key role in either alleviating or exacerbating socio-economic inequalities in our cities. It is imperative that we design mobility systems to serve the needs of the most vulnerable in society – from introducing anti-harassment and empowerment measures to make women feel safe on public transport, to making transport systems easier to navigate for those with disabilities or language barriers, to streamlining payments and creating ways to make transport more affordable for people on low incomes.

We urgently need more resilient mobility systems

With the increased threat of extreme weather events from climate change in addition to potential future pandemics and other public health crises, it is essential that we develop systems to mitigate risks to both transport providers and citizens, by harnessing data and modelling to design mobility systems that are better connected and integrated for day-to-day needs, as well as resilient to shock and change.

We need to find, shape, and scale innovations that meet the needs of people and the planet. It is critical that new tech, data and mobility innovations respond to the real needs of residents and businesses.

A CHALLENGE TO ACCELERATE INNOVATION

Innovation challenges inspire new and better approaches to persistent problems. When run in partnership with cities, challenges can be a platform for accelerating place-based problem-solving. They lay the groundwork to develop, test and scale solutions that are transferable to other communities and contexts. Local governments are closest to the problems on the ground and well-placed to identify critical barriers to progress, and co-create solutions with innovators, researchers and citizens.

The Sustainable Cities Challenge will create and scale solutions to urban sustainability and mobility challenges, by matching cities seeking solutions with innovators who can help.

In 2023, we are seeking three partner cities to host a challenge. Cities are invited to identify the specific barriers they face providing safe and sustainable mobility for all. Selected cities will receive capacity-building support to learn how to better define their challenges and engage with innovators.

In early 2024, we will select three cities as partners. Innovators from around the world will be invited to respond to three city challenges and develop and implement solutions, accessing up to $9 million in funding.

CALL TO ACTION

The challenge is now open for cities to enter! Representatives of interested cities should visit Sustainable Cities Challenge to learn more, sign up for an upcoming webinar to hear the details, and check out the entry form and requirements.

The deadline for cities to enter is 18 September 2023.