Call for Expression of Interest in the HiReach Startup Lab

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Version RELEASE- Date 01/08/2018 1

Call for Expression of Interest in the HiReach Startup Lab

Innovative Inclusive Mobility Acceleration Program

AUGUST 2019

Date 01/08/2018 Version: RELEASE

Call for Expression of Interest for the HiReach Startup Lab


Contacts André Marquet (PRO) [email protected]

+351 918 757 720

Stefano Borgato (TRT) [email protected]

+39 02 57410380

About HiReach HiReach (http://hireach-project.eu) aims at addressing the mobility needs of different groups vulnerable to transport poverty and social exclusion like people with temporarily or permanent reduced mobility, children, young and elderly people, women, migrants and ethnic minorities, low income and unemployed, to favour more inclusive and flexible mobility solutions. The project also analyses geographical and spatial elements affecting transport poverty to figure out mobility options that can serve the needs of such groups in different target areas like urban-peripheral, peri-urban, rural, and remote or deprived territories.

By combining different attributes of available transport concepts and bottom-up initiatives with new operational schemes and IT applications, HiReach explores viable business models for small scale, modular and easily replicable mobility services that can be provided at affordable prices and/or with minimum subsidies. For the first time, community transport services, informal ridesharing and van pooling, innovative ride-hailing mobility services and on-demand public transport are assessed within the scope of a new collaborative and fair business environment.

The HiReach mechanism for exploring, generating and testing inclusive mobility solutions is based on the creative work of and innovative entrepreneurs, but also on social innovation through the direct involvement of different social groups as developers, co-users and co-owners of the proposed solutions. HiReach is working in 6 EU study regions: Counties of Esslingen and Göppingen (Germany), Naxos and Small Cyclades (Greece), Inner Area Southern Salento (Italy), Guarda and Torres Vedras (Portugal), Buzău (Romania), North and South-East Luxembourg.

Disclaimer This document is part of a project that has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 769819.

The sole responsibility for the content of this document lies with the authors. It does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

The European Commission and the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (INEA) are not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.



TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Introduction and background .............................................................................................. 4

2 Definitions ............................................................................................................................... 5

3 Submission guidelines and requirements ............................................................................ 6

4 Description of activities ......................................................................................................... 7 1. APPLICATIONS PHASE .................................................................................................................. 8 2. BOOTCAMP PHASE ...................................................................................................................... 9 3. ACCELERATION PHASE ...............................................................................................................10 4. TRIAL PERIOD PHASE ...................................................................................................................11 5. DEMO DAY PHASE ......................................................................................................................11

5 Timeline ................................................................................................................................ 12

6 Budget .................................................................................................................................. 13 6.1 Exclusions from budget for acceleration........................................................................... 13

7 Evaluation Factors ............................................................................................................... 13



1 Introduction and background The HiReach project is accepting responses to this Call for Expression of Interest (CEI or EoI), in order to find a qualified Accelerator partner to provide an Innovative Mobility Accelerator Program. An illustrative brochure of the projects’ challenges: http://hireach-project.eu/sites/default/files/HIREACH_Brochure.pdf

In this context, we propose the creation of an Acceleration and Incubation Program with the main objective of validating and integrating innovative transportation solutions that can improve urban, peri-urban, urban-peripheral, rural, remote and deprived areas while addressing the needs of potentially vulnerable groups to favour inclusive mobility, including children and youth, elderly, women, people with reduced mobility, migrants and ethnic minorities, people living in rural deprived areas, low income and unemployed.

This program proposes a multiple phase approach with different components of Acceleration and Incubation, where it is intended to develop projects with real data.

1. Talent: Support and retain EU and world-class entrepreneurs with innovative ideas in the area of inclusive mobility and transport poverty.

2. Market: The ultimate goal of the program will be the development of a set of world-class projects duly validated within the target market.

3. Partners: Attracting large companies in the area of mobility to foster innovative solutions in the mobility sector.

4. Competencies: Provide entrepreneurs with core competencies so they can lead their businesses and grow them.

We are also to inform that:

1. The contracting entity is TRT TRASPORTI E TERRITORIO (www.trt.it ), the HiReach Project Coordinator;

2. The decision to contract is to be taken by the contracting entity; 3. The clarifications necessary for the understanding and interpretation of the parts of

the procedure are the responsibility of the contracting entity and may be requested through the application form or via email André Marquet - [email protected] - and Stefano Borgato - [email protected] - until the day before the deadline for submitting the expression of interest (please consult section 4 – Timeline - below) ;

4. Additionally, the interested party/ entity can present a list in which it identifies, expressly and unequivocally, the errors and omissions of the parts of the procedure



detected by him. This list must be sent through the application form or via email to André Marquet - [email protected] - and Stefano Borgato - [email protected].

5. The contracting entity will provide explanations and clarifications, in writing, via email, not later than the day before the deadline for the submission of tenders;

6. To positively reply to this Expression of Interested, applicants should fill in the Expression of Interest form available in the following link: https://forms.gle/SJvJawym6Z2CqGhHA

The objective of this CEI (or EoI) is to identify suitable accelerator companies that will provide the best overall value to the HiReach project. While price is a significant factor, other criteria will form the basis of our award decision, as more fully described in the Evaluation Factors section of this CEI.

2 Definitions HiReach: HiReach is a project that has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no 769819, that focuses on the development of new tools and business models to improve accessibility for special areas and communities. HiReach builds on the potential of bundling and mixing dispersed, special and non-coordinated/optimised trip requests and needs from different vulnerable user groups to favour inclusive and participative mobility rather than exclusive/special and geographically limited mobility. HiReach Jury: The HiReach jury will be in charge of the Announcement of shortlisted Accelerator Companies and Start of Negotiation process and of the Contract Invitation / Notification to Unsuccessful Bidders and is constituted by elements of the contracting authority TRT TRASPORTI E TERRITORIO, and other consortium project members, including PRODUCTIZED, and TIS.pt.

Accelerator: European Union incorporated company with a proven relevant track record that is responsible for HiReach Startup Lab Acceleration Program with the main objective of validating and integrating innovative transportation solutions that can improve urban, peri-urban, urban-peripheral, rural, remote and deprived areas while addressing the needs of potentially vulnerable groups to favour inclusive mobility, including children and youth, elderly, women, people with reduced mobility, migrants and ethnic minorities, people living in rural deprived areas, low income and unemployed.

Startup: In the context of the HiReach Startup Lab accelerator, is a project with an established founding 2 or more people, in concept stage or with a product prototype or MVP, incorporated or not yet, that is doing product discovery, tackling a mobility related problem worth solving, through an innovative solution including but no limited to: informal ride-sharing and van pooling services, community transport services, innovative ride-hailing mobility services, on-demand flexible public transport, remote working/ leisure solutions (VR, AR, video, etc), smart vehicles, smart cities, open source software, parking, logistics, customized mobility, accessibility, navigation information, data & IoT, smart infrastructures, service design, passenger experience, environment, safety and security in mobility.



Hosting Company: Any organization private or public that is considered a relevant partner to acceleration phase and that can either help or host the startups by providing them technical expertise, challenges, lab facilities, testing grounds, mentorship (e.g. public or private transport operators, automobile/ van companies, mobility companies, IT companies, open data projects, etc)

Transport poverty: Inadequate transport facilities negatively affect personal mobility. The availability of transport options is vital for employment and basic services, as well as for maintaining social ties and leading a meaningful life. Transport-related deficiencies affect individuals and groups differently according to different economic, social and cognitive parameters. Socio-economic, socio-demographic and gender considerations must be factored in when designing suitable solutions, as well as people’s perceptions and aspirations. As transport access and social inclusion are mutually interdependent, transport poverty can feed social exclusion, spurring a vicious cycle that further disadvantages those in need.

Vulnerable groups: Addressing the needs of potentially vulnerable groups to favour inclusive mobility, including Children and Youth, Elderly, Women, People with reduced mobility, migrants and ethnic minorities, people living in rural and deprived areas, low income and unemployed, social groups and individuals as RESPONSIBLE PRODUCERS AND CO-USERS of mobility solutions.

Target areas: Analysing geographical and spatial elements affecting transport poverty on rural, peri-urban, urban peripheral, remote, and other deprived areas.

Inclusive mobility: Mobility solutions that offer right scale, modular and easily replicable mobility services provided at affordable prices or with minimum subsidies to vulnerable groups in the defined target areas.

3 Submission guidelines and requirements In order to be considered for the final Call to Submit a Final Proposal, the Interested parties are invited to fill in the form available in the link: https://forms.gle/SJvJawym6Z2CqGhHA



4 Description of activities The purpose of the Acceleration and Innovation Programme is to develop, at least, 5 Minimum Viable Products (MVP), or similar prototype level products or services, tackling real world cases of transport poverty. The domains of transport poverty were presented in the Introduction Section, and further explanation can be found in project Insights Package (http://hireach-project.eu/sites/default/files/HIREACH_Brochure.pdf), and in the HiReach website at http://hireach-project.eu.

As such, start-up companies are expected to work on a given pilot case, since day 1 of the programme. A pilot case is a real-world problem in the realm of transport poverty. Every pilot case will be hosted by an entity, which will provide information and accommodate the start-ups along the programme.

The HiReach project will provide those pilot cases. Start-up companies may bring their own product and/or pilot case provided they are aligned with the mission of HiReach project.

The Acceleration and Innovation Programme is organised in five stages, as follows:

1. Applications Phase - Up to 2 months, until reaching a minimum of 200 viable applications.

2. Bootcamp Phase - 1 immersive week, with 20 to 25 start-ups/ projects. 3. Acceleration Phase - 3 months, with 5 to 10 short-listed start-ups / projects. 4. Trial Period Phase - 3 months, with 5 short-listed start-ups (incorporated as companies

to be able to receive proof of concept support funds). 5. Demo Day - 1 day, with the 5 short-listed startups.

During the Bootcamp Phase, start-ups will be introduced to the pilot cases, working on a mock-up or similar concept.

During the Acceleration Phase, start-ups will directly interact with hosting company. The purpose of this Phase is the development of MVP, or similar.

During the Trial Period, start-ups are expected to develop a demonstrator or, ideally, a running pilot case.

The diagram in the following page proposes a tentative timeline (changes may occur).



The details of each phase of the project is as follows. Please note that changes may occur before the release of the official Call for Applicants.

1. APPLICATIONS PHASE Duration: up to 2 months

Expected Number of Applications: 200 projects.

Start Date: Nov 2019

End Date: Jan 2019

Description: The entity should be looking at how the team works together, if the product addresses the HiReach objectives, how it delivers value and what value is delivered, the focus of the business model and how the proposed Accelerator can provide value in terms of market reach, tech solutions, trial conditions, strategic partnerships, among other aspects.

Expected deliverables from the Accelerator (entity): 1. Responsible for managing the call and ensuring a target rich environment. 2. The entity should be responsible for managing the call and ensuring a target rich

environment, namely through the organization (scheduling and contacts) of a European roadshow of at least 3 events with the participation of Productized staff.

3. The entity is responsible for shortlisting the top 50 applications to the HiReach Jury by the end of the applications phase, and for running the final evaluation and selection of the invited 20-25 projects in conjunction with the HiReach Jury members.



4. The entity is responsible for sending the invitations and be the contact point between HiReach partners and the entrepreneurs or project points of contact.

2. BOOTCAMP PHASE Duration: 1 week (5 continuous days)

Accepted startups: min: 20; max: 25 projects.

Start Date: Jan/Feb 2020

End Date: Jan/Feb 2020

Description: The one-week Bootcamp should be composed of workshops, talks & mentoring sessions that will make projects more aligned with the project objectives and with useful learnings for the program & enhance their skills.

This is an in-presence phase of the program, and physical presence of the founders is required: full working hours presence will be required throughout the whole week. Minimum 2, maximum 3 members of the team. During the Bootcamp each team is supported with a lump sum of 2,5K€ directly reimbursed by the HiReach project.

Expected deliverables from the Accelerator: 1. Include projects that are representative from all HiReach demonstration countries:

Portugal, Italy, Romania, Germany, Greece, and Luxembourg. 2. Provide adequate space for the bootcamp activities, and auxiliary space for startups

to work, such as a co-working facility; 3. Prepare a detailed agenda of the bootcamp, including syllabus and trainer’s bios. 4. Report of the bootcamp phase, providing recommendations and assessment of

each project: a. Reflection about the dynamic of the Open Call, b. Assessment of the candidates, c. Assessment of the mentorship program, d. Assessment of the Accelerator/ bootcamp role in their progress,

i. Summary of projects presented during the Bootcamp (expectations and immediate perceived impact),

ii. Summary of projects presented during the acceleration program (expectations and immediate perceived impact)

e. Reflexion about the methodology followed in HiReach (to involve start-ups in the development of solutions to transport poverty problems).



3. ACCELERATION PHASE Duration: 3 months


Start Date: Feb 2020

End Date: May 2020

Description: Teams selected to advance towards this phase will have the opportunity to meet with the Partners that they will eventually collaborate with during the roll-out phase, set the criteria for a successful pilot, and arrange all the operational requirements. Physical presence is not obligatory, depending on the nature of the pilot. A 2-3 hours weekly sync (physical or online) with the Partners of the Consortium, Partners of the Program & Acceleration managers will be necessary.

Expected deliverables from the Accelerator: 1. Weekly meetings with startups need to be reported and annexed to the project

deliverables. 2. Each accepted startup must deliver a working prototype, mock-up, or service

design. 3. Midterm public presence in May 2020, at the ITS European Conference in Lisbon.

a. A maximum of 5 start-ups will have the opportunity to showcase their products at this conference.

4. Report of the acceleration phase recommendations and assessment of each project:

a. Assessment of the mentorship program, b. Assessment of the Accelerator role in their progress,

i. Summary of projects presented during the acceleration program (expectations and immediate perceived impact),

ii. Summary of projects presented during the acceleration program (expectations and immediate perceived impact)

c. Reflexion about the methodology followed in HiReach (to involve start-ups in the development of solutions to transport poverty problems).



4. TRIAL PERIOD PHASE Duration: 5 months


Start Date: May2020

End Date: Sep 2020

Description: This is the time of action and certainly the highlight of the program. For about 5 months the teams will work closely with the Partners that have selected them. Physical presence is not obligatory, depending on the nature of the pilot. A 2-3 hours weekly sync (physical or online) with the Partners of the Consortium, Partners of the Program & Acceleration managers might be necessary.

Expected deliverables from the Accelerator: 1. Weekly meetings with startups need to be reported and annexed to the project

deliverables. 2. Each accepted startup must deliver a 2nd iteration of the MVP taking into

consideration the learnings and expected improvements from the trial period. 3. Final report with recommendations and assessment of each project.

a. Assessment of the mentorship program and/or of the hosting program (where the start-ups will test real-case services/products),

b. Assessment of the Accelerator role in their progress, i. Summary of projects presented during the Trial (expectations and

immediate perceived impact), ii. Summary of projects presented during the acceleration program

(expectations and immediate perceived impact) c. Reflexion about the methodology followed in HiReach (to involve start-ups in

the development of solutions to transport poverty problems).

5. DEMO DAY PHASE Duration: 1 day


Start Date: Sep 2020

End Date: Sep 2020



Description: Organisation of the “Demo Day” within the project final event is a task for HiReach, not for the Accelerator, and is the day the startups are called to present the results of the pilot they have been running during the Trial Period Phase. Physical presence of representatives from the Accelerator is required. They should allocate at least 2 members of the team to be present on the demo day.

After the end of the program, the most successful startups will have the opportunity to continue their pilots in the “safe sandbox” environment of the HiReach Lab, where they will have access to perks & benefits to facilitate the ongoing implementation and integration with public and private partners.

5 Timeline The Project timeline is as follows:

Invitation to submit an Expression of Interest 06/08/2019

Deadline to submit an Expression of Interest via Application form 31/08/2019

Request to submit Full Proposal 04/09/2019

Deadline to submit Full Proposal 02/10/2019

Announcement of shortlisted Accelerator Companies and Start of Negotiation

14/10/2019

Contract Invitation / Notification to Unsuccessful Bidders

1/11/2019

The minimum quantity of applicants to be invited for negotiation is determined as follows: min (3 or 25% * number of applicants), rounded up. The maximum amount will be determined by the jury based on the results of the evaluation process. The invitation is not a guarantee of contract awarding.



6 Budget The budget for the Acceleration Programme to be awarded to the selected Accelerator will be up to 60,000€ (sixty thousand euros), exclusive of VAT.

Catering expenses during 1st phase (bootcamp) will be covered by the winning Accelerator, as well as travel and accommodation of the accelerator’s team for the Demo day.

Accelerator companies are invited to arrange sponsorships. The Accelerator company can take a success fee of 40% for new sponsors plus a 10% management fee, totalling 50%, the remaining value must go to co-fund the acceleration operational costs and others related provided there is a Profit & Loss demonstration. Sponsorship acceptance requires previous approval by the contracting entity.

6.1 Exclusions from budget for acceleration The above-mentioned budget is for the accelerator program only and does not include entrepreneur travel expenses.

7 Evaluation Factors HiReach Consortium will rate proposals based on the following factors, with cost being the least important factor (tentative list of factors):

1. Quality of the Bootcamp programme phase

Good coverage of the theme of mobility & transport poverty, including pertinence and timeliness of the chosen topics and agenda, reputation and track-record of the trainers and mentors, schedule, activities and techniques.

2. Demonstrated capacity of the Acceleration and Trial Phases’ programme to maximise the opportunities for the projects’ success

Achievement of the envisaged targets, 10 MVPs and 5 demonstrators, generation of synergies between start-up and hosting/ partner companies, or development of relevant products or services, including programme agenda, options to promote the interaction between start-up and hosting companies, topics of discussion, working and management tools used to measure progress of teams.

3. Technical expertise and seniority of the profiles in the project 4. Detailed outreach, and side-events, investors’ days, etc. 5. Relevant past performance and experience 6. Total cost of operation of the running of all phases.

Documents

Call for Expression of Interest in the HiReach Startup Lab