Kuala Lumpur is pilot city for CATCH global next-gen urban development

Kuala Lumpur is host pilot city for Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF)’s City Architecture for Tomorrow Challenge (CATCH). The Malaysian Digital Economy (MDEC) has entered an agreement with TMF to enable Kuala Lumpur to take the lead in advancing next-generation urban development and city mobility management for the region.

The Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, YBhg. Dato’ Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan, attended the launch event which took place in the capital city today as guest-of-honour.

Organised by Toyota Mobility Foundation and co-developed by Deloitte Future of Mobility Solution Centre, the challenge aims to inspire and invite global entrepreneurs, startups, academic or research institutions, as well as the general public to reimagine and design future city infrastructures through data-driven and connected solutions.

For a period of 8 months, participants will need to conceptualise and develop solutions based on the mobility challenges faced by commuters in Kuala Lumpur. Moreover, the aim of the challenge is to address 6 out of 17 goals listed by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The six goals are:

• 7. Affordable and Clean Energy
• 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
• 9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• 10. Reduced Inequalities
• 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
• 17. Partnerships for the Goals

“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.”

Shin Aoyama, President of Secretariat, Toyota Mobility Foundation

Furthermore, TMF will provide grants at every stage of the challenge up to US$1.5 million in total to support teams towards the development and trial-testing solutions in Kuala Lumpur. In addition, participants will also have access to expert mentors and an incubation program.

“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.”

Surina Shukri, CEO, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

CATCH will provide participants with selected data to develop solutions 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, Touch ‘n Go and Prasarana Malaysia.

“We take pride in overcoming “impossible” challenges to make “Mobility for All” a reality. TMF provides the platform to create a better, more mobile society and we fully support this digital and data-driven approach.”

Ravindran K., President, UMW Toyota Motor,

The City Architecture for Tomorrow Challenge (CATCH) will officially launch on 13th February 2020, with the following milestones throughout the Challenge:

• Global Call-For-Applications: February – March 2020
• Challenge Roadshows: 17 th – 28 th February 2020
• Semi-Finalists Announcement: April 2020
• Proof-Of-Concept (POC) Development: April 2020 – May 2020
• Finalists Announcement: June 2020
• Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Concept Development and Incubation Program:
  June 2020
• MVP Development and Trial Implementation: June 2020 – September 2020
• Winner Announcement: September 2020

*Dates are subjected to changes

Participants of CATCH will be given grants to support the development of their idea during the Challenge, in the following stages:

• Semi-Finalists Stage: Up to USD$5,000 for Proof-Of-Concept (POC) Development
• Finalists Stage: Up to USD$150,000 for Prototype Development and Testing
• Grand Winner: USD$500,000 for scale-up of the implemented solution in Kuala Lumpur

*Grants may be subjected to changes

Throughout the duration of CATCH, participants can expect support to be provided by the organizers of the Challenge, together with its Challenge partners, which may vary from:

• Immersive incubation program
• Mentorship from industry leaders
• Networking opportunities with public and private sector stakeholders
• Mobility & City data from participating data partners*
• Trial implementation support in Kuala Lumpur

*Data provided will be in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act

Established in August 2014, TMF’s role is to support the development of a more mobile society. The foundation aims to support strong mobility systems while eliminating disparities in Mobility. Utilising Toyota’s expertise in technology, safety and the environment, working in partnership with universities, government, non-profit organizations, research institutions and other organisations to address mobility issues around the world.

Programs include resolving urban transportation problems, expanding the utilisation of personal mobility, and developing solutions for next-generation mobility. Participants who are keen to take on the challenge can submit their entries through the CATCH website here, as well as the access to further information regarding the challenge.