ICYMI, Chattanooga is an innovation hub.
Think about it: we’re known as the “Silicon Valley of freight,” EPB is launching America’s first industry-led commercially available quantum network, we have an urban test bed for autonomous vehicles via UTC’s CUIP, and Chattanooga serves as Volkswagen’s North American base for manufacturing electric vehicles.
Sooo...👇
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But what does all of this have to do with The Company Lab, a local startup accelerator?
The organization recently announced a new programmatic focus on the sustainable mobility sector, and Chattanooga’s status as an innovation hub is a major reason why.
What is sustainable mobility?
“Sustainable mobility encompasses the future-forward movement of people, goods, energy, and data.” — Co.Lab Marketing Specialist Ashlyn Gentile
What’s Co.Lab doing?
- Recruiting companies focused on innovation in quantum tech, freight and logistics, urban planning, EVs, etc.
- Those companies will participate in a 10-week program to test and pilot ideas relating to their respective industry
- The companies will work alongside Chattanooga’s existing research and innovative organizations
- Co.Lab will make investments in these companies and ideas, in addition to providing coursework + curriculum
Bonus: The org will also work with ChattState, UTC + the Future Ready Institute to train a workforce that is able to work with innovative, emerging companies.
What’s the goal?
- Help these businesses scale their ventures
- Attract these innovative companies to Chattanooga — and hopefully, convince them to stay beyond that 10-week period
- In terms of tangible results, Co.Lab CEO Tasia Malakasis invites folks to think about a future with possibilities like self-driving cars taking citizens to and from work, or energy that can power both a car and a home
Timeline:
- Currently | The Co.Lab is in the planning, recruiting, and awareness stage
- May | A community-wide startup event featuring Steve Case will take place
- Fall | The first cohort will begin the 10-week program
