EIT Urban Mobility

EIT Urban Mobility is a prominent pan-European initiative, operating under the umbrella of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union. Headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, its overarching mission is to accelerate the transition towards a climate-neutral urban mobility system across Europe. It functions as a significant public-private partnership, uniting leading companies, cities, universities, and research centers to foster innovation and address critical urban mobility challenges. Their strategic focus encompasses areas such as sustainable urban logistics, smart infrastructure, new mobility services, and the integration of diverse transport modes, all aimed at improving citizens' quality of life and reducing environmental impact.

The organization employs a multi-faceted approach to support innovation, extending beyond direct investment to include education, innovation projects, and business creation programs. Through initiatives like the Scale-up Programme, Venture Builder, and Impact Ventures, EIT Urban Mobility identifies, nurtures, and scales promising startups and scale-ups. They actively seek companies developing cutting-edge solutions that can be deployed and scaled across European cities, emphasizing market readiness and potential for significant societal and environmental impact. Their investment thesis is deeply rooted in the European Green Deal objectives, promoting sustainable economic growth alongside ecological responsibility.

EIT Urban Mobility provides financial backing through various mechanisms, including equity investments and convertible loans, tailored to the maturity and needs of the ventures. For early-stage companies, their Venture Builder program can offer initial funding of up to 60,000 EUR, helping nascent ideas take root. More mature startups participating in the Scale-up Programme can secure substantial equity investments, potentially reaching up to 500,000 EUR, alongside strategic support and network access. Since 2020, EIT Urban Mobility has demonstrated a strong commitment to the ecosystem, having invested in over 100 startups, showcasing their dedication to building a robust portfolio of sustainable urban mobility solutions. This comprehensive support system positions them as a pivotal player in shaping the future of urban transport in Europe.