Means of modern Transportation

The transportation category covers innovative technology that not only improve our means and ways of mobility, but also reduces environmental impact of mobility markets. Start-ups that are focused on electric vehicles, motorbikes, aviation, trains and fleet logistics should choose this category.

Transportation encompasses transportation and mobile technology applications that improve fuel efficiency, produce bio-fuels for transportation, reduce air pollution, reduce oil consumption or reduce vehicle travel (not limited to automobiles). Technologies are applied directly to transportation systems or vehicles. Examples include new vehicles and new types of transport services and infrastructure, efficient and portable batteries, fuel cells and bio-based transportation fuels and use of information technologies.

Example technologies include

Fleet management hardware and software systems
Routing and data solutions for public transportation operators
Logistics management
Hybrid motor systems
Storage of energy specifically applied to vehicles
Plug in hybrid vehicles
All electric vehicles
Fuel cell vehicles
Biodiesel applications
NOX/SOX reductions for ocean going vessels
Cold-ironing systems
Diesel particulate matter filters for Locomotives
Combustion designs
Fuel blends
Flex fuel engines and applications
Drive train conversion kits
Monitoring and control of driver behavior

Transportation vs Energy Generation
Companies that are focused on energy generation and usage for specifically transportation, belong to Transportation category.

Transportation vs Information & Communications Technologies (ICT)
If a company develops new car pooling application that reduces car usage and raises environmental awareness, it belongs in Information & Communications Technologies. If a company uses IT solutions for fleet management, it’s a Transportation company.

Example alumni companies

a) HEVT – Winner of the National Grand Prize in 2012. HEVT has developed disruptive alternatives to induction and permanent magnet motors. HEVT’s patented switched reluctance motors (SRMs) provide high-performance alternatives to induction and permanent magnet motor/generators with increased reliability and disruptive cost benefits. Video of the company can be found here.

b) Gridtest Systems – finalists in Transportation category in 2011. Gridtest Systems provides the first independent test equipment for (Electric Vehicle) EV Charging stations. The test cases are automated and produce detailed test reports. We expect users can reduce testing time by a factor of 10. The EV Emulator tool can be used for R&D Lab Testing Installation & maintenance testing Manufacturing end of line testing.

c) Mission Motors – Winner of the Alumni Award in 2010 and Transportation category finalist in 2007. Mission Motors is a supplier of advanced electric power train technology. The company builds optimized power train solutions that enable higher performance for electric and hybrid vehicles.

d) Green Lite Motors – finalist in Transportation category in 2009. Green Lite Motors has prototyped a breakthrough commuter vehicle that delivers 100 mile-per-gallon efficiency. Their innovative design combines the safety and comfort of a car with the fun and convenience of a motorcycle. Metropolitan customers will enjoy express lane privileges, powered by the plug-in hybrid system, with 250 miles of range and 85 mph freeway cruising. Video of the company can be found here.

e) Electra Drive – winner in Transportation category in 2008. ElectraDrive is developing a family of plug & play electric drive trains to expand the availability of electric-drive options to the vehicles that need them most: pickups, vans, SUVs and large sedans. It can be moved easily from vehicle to vehicle, and the car that it is attached to can drive solely under electric power with its motor turned off entirely. It can be powered at about 1/5 the cost of motor fuel, and ElectraDrive gives it a projected payback around 5 years.