Bangaluru: The Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) has unveiled Bengaluru and Varanasi as two of the top 10 cities shortlisted for the $9-million Sustainable Cities Challenge. Launched in June 2023 in collaboration with Challenge Works and World Resources Institute, the Challenge is designed to bolster cities in preparing for the future by fostering innovative solutions that promise to revolutionize the lives of millions worldwide.
This global initiative garnered over 200 submissions from 150 cities across 46 countries. The entries were rigorously evaluated on four crucial parameters: Challenge focus, Innovation, Impact, and Partner capacity. The shortlisted cities encompass locations in Brazil, Colombia, India, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
With a robust participation of over 50 entries from India, Bengaluru and Varanasi have earned coveted spots in the shortlist. These cities will be invited to a capacity-building academy where they will receive tailored support in refining their solutions. They will also join a broader network of inventive city teams. From this elite group, three cities will be chosen to launch their own City Challenges. By mid-2024, a call will be issued to global innovators to collaborate with the three winning cities. These innovators, whether local or international, will work towards solutions applicable to the chosen cities.
Innovators for each city will be selected in late 2024 and will receive substantial backing over a two-year period, with up to $9 million allocated for testing and piloting solutions between 2024-2026. In 2026, winning innovators will be chosen for further implementation.
Commenting on the development, Mr. Vikram Gulati, Executive Vice President of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, expressed his enthusiasm stating, “We at TKM, are thrilled that Bengaluru and Varanasi from India, have made it to the shortlisted global cities in the Sustainable Cities Challenge.” He emphasized the importance of innovative approaches to address mobility challenges in India and underscored the significance of inclusivity, safety, and sustainability in urban development.
Pras Ganesh, Executive Program Director of Toyota Mobility Foundation in Asia, emphasized that the Sustainable Cities Challenge goes beyond mere innovation, serving as a pivotal effort in shaping the future of urban mobility, safety, and sustainability. He expressed confidence in the unique strengths and potential of Indian cities like Bengaluru and Varanasi to lead the way in sustainable and resilient urban development.
The Sustainable Cities Challenge, funded by the Toyota Mobility Foundation, is a collaborative venture with Challenge Works and World Resources Institute. It seeks to encourage innovative solutions for urban challenges, aligning with the goals of inclusivity, safety, and sustainability in urban development.
For more information about the Sustainable Cities Challenge and the Toyota Mobility Foundation, please visit the official website at Sustainable Cities Challenge website.
