Mobility experts from Transport for London (TfL) and Bosch are to work with start-ups and small businesses to develop smart mobility solutions under a new 18-month pilot programme.

The collaboration is intended to spearhead plans to turn London into the “world’s smartest city”

Intended to accelerate ambitions for London to become “the world’s smartest city”, the collaboration will explore how data and technology could be used to solve key transport issues. These include more efficient, greener and safer vehicles, reducing congestion and encouraging more people to walk, cycle and take public transport across London

TfL will provide technical knowledge and a wide range of datasets based on its existing Unified API and open data platform, which already helps to power nearly 700 apps used by 42% of Londoners. Meanwhile dedicated urban mobility professionals from Bosch will provide technical expertise, guidance and mentoring. A dedicated co-innovation space for TfL and selected start-ups will also be provided within Bosch’s new ‘Connectory’ facility – currently under construction in Shoreditch.

In a statement, TfL and Bosch said the closer collaboration is intended to help support start-ups to develop a range of smart products and help them identify ways to bring them to market more quickly through open procurement.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “If we are to use data and smart technology to help solve the biggest problems our city faces, it’s crucial we take a more collaborative approach. I see London’s future as a global ‘test-bed city’ for civic innovation, where the best ideas are developed, amplified and scaled.

“I’ve been clear I want London to become the world’s smartest city and this is a further step towards realising that ambition.”