City Architecture for Tomorrow Challenge Launched, By Toyota Mobility Foundation

Japanese automotive juggernaut Toyota’s mobility-forward arm, Toyota Mobility Foundation, have today launched a next-generation urban development & traffic management global challenge today in Kuala Lumpur, with our capital city acting as the global testbed for the initiative. Named ‘City Architecture for Tomorrow Challenge’ (or CATCH), the challenge is to use data provided by partnering agencies, private firms and the Government to come up with innovative mobility solutions that improve overall mobility in the city.

Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) selected Kuala Lumpur after looking at several other capital cities around the world, convinced that our inclusive society, impressive technology penetration levels, and mobility data availability would make for the perfect pilot city. Working together with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), CATCH is Asia’s first global challenge that will attract innovative, data-driven entries from global participants. The aim is to raise efficiency in urban planning, and drive forward the future of mobility.

The launch event, held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, was graced by KL Mayor Dato’ Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan.

CATCH will seek to address mobility challenges in Kuala Lumpur with a global call for solutions. In the next 8 months, participants – who can come from startups, academic & research institutions, or even members of the general public – can ideate, conceptualise, and develop dynamic, intelligent, data-driven solutions that will help design future city infrastructures.

“TMF was set up to address mobility issues around the world, using a unique approach driven by sustainability, innovation, and partnership. CATCH was designed in partnership with the Malaysian government, to encourage data-driven but human-centered interventions to improve city planning and the mobility ecosystem.”

Shin Aoyama, President of Secretariat, Toyota Mobility Foundation

“Through CATCH, the global pool of talented startups, academics, and the world’s brightest minds can develop their next-generation urban digitalisation ideas and accelerate Kuala Lumpur’s evolution into a city of the future. The program is in-line with MDEC’s efforts to drive forward the country’s digital economy, catalyse next-generation innovation through Malaysia’s Global Testbed Initiative and reinforce the country’s position as the Heart of Digital ASEAN.”

Surina Shukri, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)

CATCH will provide participants with data to empower them to develop solutions that will be selected in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act. The data partners are made up of both public & private sectors that have different data points of a commuter’s journey, such as Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Polis DiRaja Malaysia, Agensi Pengangkutan Awam Darat, Grab, MapIT MSC, Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp), and Prasarana Malaysia.

Additionally, TMF will provide grants at every stage of the challenge, dipping into a US$1.5-million grant pool that will support teams towards the development & trial-testing of the solutions in Kuala Lumpur. Participants will also have access to expert mentors & an incubation period.