SOUTH AFRICA – Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, Bridgestone EMIA’s business unit focused on developing and launching data-driven fleet, tyre and mobility solutions, has become an anchor partner of Startup Autobahn, a mobility-focused innovation network.
Moderated by Silicon Valley global open innovation platform, Plug and Play Tech Center, Startup Autobahn brings industry-leading companies and startups together to identify new ideas and develop cutting-edge technologies in the mobility sector.
With a network of more than 30,000 startups and around 30 corporate partners, the Stuttgart-based platform is accelerating innovation by providing workshops, events, business development and investment opportunities.
“We don’t underestimate the impact this partnership can have on our country’s innovative startups and entrepreneurs in the mobility sector,” Justin Manson of Bridgestone Mobility-owned Webfleet Solutions in South Africa, said.
“Support of startups and enabling them to grow their networks and business are among the top priorities for the sector, and platforms such as STARTUP AUTOBAHN have the potential to accelerate our incredible local solutions into the marketplace.
“This is an opportunity of real value to entrepreneurs, their communities, and ultimately – our economy.”
Bridgestone Mobility Solutions supports and accelerates the digital transformation of Bridgestone to be a sustainable solutions company, helping customers and partners take advantage of the shift towards data-based insight, convenience, and maximum efficiency.
“Partnering with Startup Autobahn is an important step in our strategy to drive continuous innovation and business progress,” said Jan-Maarten de Vries, CEO of Bridgestone Mobility Solutions.
“Joining this high-quality network of pioneers, entrepreneurs and innovative thinkers, we are looking forward to jointly working on new ideas and technologies that will contribute to a safer, more efficient and sustainable future.”
The Bridgestone EMIA business unit serves a wide range of the digital mobility solutions’ portfolio of the company, including Europe’s leading fleet management solution WEBFLEET.
“We are extremely happy to welcome Bridgestone Mobility Solutions to our global network,” said Sascha Karimpour, Managing Director at Plug & Play Germany and a co-initiator of Startup Autobahn.
“Bridgestone, known as one of the leading tyre and rubber companies worldwide, is accelerating its digital solutions business which fits perfectly with STARTUP AUTOBAHN’s end-to-end value chain of mobility partners.
“Their diverse portfolio in fleet, tyre and data solutions will bring new opportunities and great value to our platform.”
As a new ‘anchor partner’ of the Startup Autobahn platform, experts across Bridgestone Mobility Solutions innovation team will scout relevant startups across the network, focused on different innovation areas such as electric mobility, smart city solutions and smart tyre technologies.
The goal is to identify joint value propositions, work on pilot projects and develop them into market-ready solutions which add value for customers and society.
“The Mobility sector is going through massive transformation and innovation is a critical piece of our strategy towards sustainable growth,” added Franck Leveque, Vice President Strategy & Incubation at Bridgestone Mobility Solutions.
“Engaging in Startup Autobahn’s open innovation platform not only allows us to support startups and explore new and disruptive models in the mobility eco-system, but also offers a unique opportunity to establish an ongoing dialogue with a network of interesting and relevant industry partners.”
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