Driving Change: A New Technology Mobility Accelerator

Do you have an idea that can transform the UK bus industry?

With the recent announcement of three UK funding schemes of over £7 billion aimed at levelling up national bus services in England (BSIPs, CSRSP and ZEBRA), there has never been a better time to develop and launch your transport technology product in the UK market.

Apply Now


Launched in January 2022, GoAscendal Labs is the UK’s only mobility technology accelerator where participants can test-run their products or services on an operational fleet at a working bus depot to test, iterate and validate their technology transport solutions.

Public transport has a crucial role to play in the Levelling Up plan to spread opportunity more equally across the UK. We believe partnering with change agents and innovators is key to driving this shift.

We’re now looking for companies to partner with, on the third cycle of our programme, starting this July.

Sponsored by Ascendal Accelerator Limited, a joint-venture between Ascendal Group and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA), our Lab is co-located at our UK H.Q., alongside our operating partner, Whippet, in Swavesey, Cambridgeshire. Our programme offers a unique incubation and acceleration opportunity to improve operations and the customer experience across the region’s transport network, serving more than 850,000 local residents.

Applications Now Open

GoAscendal Labs offers SMEs and startups:

KEY DATES
Applications open: 6 March 2023
Programme starts: 24 July 2023

DURATION

  • 10 week programme
  • Applications open March, with Lab cycle commencing July 2023

LOCATION

  • Labs is situated at Whippet Coaches Ltd bus depot, Swavesey Cambridgeshire

EXPERT GUIDANCE

  • UK operations insights and national and international routes to market
  • Funding and investment strategies
  • Development and delivery of solutions for the global bus market
    Support with local business growth

FACILITIES

  • A live test environment, including bus services running in and around Cambridgeshire (including on the Guided Busway).
  • Work, collaboration and conference space at our offices.
  • A stipend of up to £5,000 to complete your pilot.

Take the first step

Register your interest now and we’ll keep you up to date with all the latest news from the Lab, plus tips and support with your application.  

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What to expect

We can go further, together. Here’s how we partner with our startups in the Lab to make the biggest impact. 

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GoAscendal Labs also has the backing of industry experts, with our advisory board.

Dr Nik Johnson

Mayor of Cambridgeshire

GoAscendal’s 10-week programme is a great initiative that puts Cambridgeshire at the heart of nurturing cutting edge transport innovation. Opportunities to improve, streamline bus technology for the benefit of passengers and transport providers will help enhance a flexible, clean transport network and can benefit new jobs, start-ups and SMEs.

Click below to learn more about our SMEs within the program:

FAQ

What sets Labs apart?
Implementing sustainable transport solutions in innovative ways is at the core of what we do at GoAscendal. We want to help ensure all communities have access to excellent public transport, and recognise that for the UK to successfully achieve low carbon emissions targets, the government and private sector must pull together to support the roll out of a more sustainable mobility framework. Working with our operating partner Whippet Coaches Ltd, we have a great opportunity to work in the Cambridgeshire area to introduce our technical know-how and work with start ups and SMEs to help fast track pioneering transport technology.

How else can I get involved?
We have a number of sponsorship opportunities and packages for consultants, operators and other organisations. Or, maybe you have a challenge that needs solving? We can run an accelerator programme on your behalf, dedicated to the needs of your or your clients’ business through our established operational accelerator environment. Whether you’re a global company or a local business in Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, we’d love to chat with you and have you join us on the journey.

What happens after the initial 10 weeks?
We recognise developing and readying your product for market is a marathon not a sprint. That’s why we’ll include you in our Labs alumni network and keep you updated on opportunities and networking afforded by our broader global group after the programme has concluded.