• Ford-sponsored mentorship program Techstars Mobility, driven by Detroit is talent-scouting for a new class of innovators to develop mobility and transportation solutions
• $120,000 startup funding and training available for up to 12 companies; last year, 10 innovative startups raised more than $3 million after completing the program
• New startup class to focus on connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics – the key elements of Ford Smart Mobility

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LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2016 – Ford-sponsored Techstars Mobility, driven by Detroit today begins accepting applications from startups interested in developing future mobility solutions.

Up to 12 startups will receive $120,000 in funding and three months of mentoring and training to develop ideas and solutions aligned with Ford Smart Mobility, the plan to take Ford to the next level in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, as well as data and analytics.

“Working together, Techstars Mobility and Ford are supporting smart, ambitious inventors who are creating innovative solutions to change the way the world moves,” said Ken Washington, Ford vice president, Research and Advanced Engineering. “Some of today’s most innovative thinking is coming from startups, and we’re excited to bring this new thinking to Detroit and the auto industry.”

This class of innovative startups is invited to focus on developing advancements in four key areas:

• The consumer experience
• Information technology and data analytics
• Multimodal trip integration
• Flexible ownership and user experience

Applicants can apply now at www.techstars.com/apply. Deadline for submissions is March 22. Participants will kick off the program June 13, culminating with Demo Day on Sept. 8.

Techstars Mobility, a mentorship-driven accelerator program, launched in 2015 to focus on next-generation mobility and transportation solutions. The program is managed by Techstars, which was launched in 2007 and has accelerated 660 companies that have raised $5 billion.

Techstars Mobility’s focus on Ford Smart Mobility stems from the vision of company Executive Chairman Bill Ford, who has led the charge to bring attention to the potential long-term consequences of growing gridlock worldwide.

The consortium includes several other global corporations, including Magna International, Verizon, Dana, Honda, McDonald’s, Munich Re and Michelin. Each is contributing program funding and mentorship support.

The 2015 class included 10 startups that raised more than $3 million since completing the program. Seven of the companies are establishing a presence in metro Detroit to advance their innovations, including:

• Cosmos, a pay-as-you-go mobile platform. Now in testing, the plan would give mobile phone customers the option to pay per day or per use for phone data – eliminating the need for pricey contracts
• Elegus Technologies, a battery technology that would increase the energy density and safety of traditional batteries – enabling batteries to become smaller and hold more power. Developed over a four-year period, the team is testing the technology for production in the near future 

“The first year exceeded all expectations, with 10 amazing companies, a worldwide response, more than 300 participating mentors across Detroit and eight active corporate entities,” said Ted Serbinski, managing director, Techstars Mobility. “This was all brought together by the automotive dominance and entrepreneurial resurgence in Detroit. We’re excited to grow this program in 2016 and beyond.”