Gaydon-based
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has launched its first
Sustainability Innovation Challenge, designed to engage innovators, start-ups and other organisations in developing and collaborating on sustainable solutions for the luxury mobility sector. The challenge aims to foster collaboration between innovators across sectors and institutions, to drive creativity and accelerate development and implementation of sustainable solutions for JLR’s customers and operations.
As part of its
Reimagine strategy, JLR has defined a clear vision to become proud creators of modern luxury and be a carbon ‘net zero’ business by 2039. Global collaboration and collective creativity can solve the challenges of tomorrow and make sustainable modern luxury a reality.
JLR opened a UK innovation hub in partnership with
www.plugandplaytechcenter.com Plug and Play, as part of its
Open Innovation strategy which launched in 2022, designed to accelerate next-generation technology and sustainability through a growing global ecosystem of innovators.
Through
Open Innovation, JLR can test and accelerate the implementation of new sustainable technologies and business models on electrification, connectivity, digital services, metaverse, Industry 4.0, talent and sustainability.
Focusing on harnessing creativity and innovation to create a positive real-world impact, the
Sustainability Innovation Challenge welcomes submissions from start-ups, academia and stakeholders. Prospective applicants are encouraged to showcase concepts which demonstrate: Innovation and Creativity — uniqueness and creativity of the proposed solution; Impact — potential environmental, social and economic impact of the innovation; Feasibility — practicality of implementing the solution within JLR’s operations; and Scalability — ability to scale to address broader sustainability challenges.
Andrea Debbane, director of sustainability at JLR, said: “This innovation challenge means more than just groundbreaking solutions – it signifies a profound step towards a future where sustainability is at the forefront of our industry. We invite you join us, and together we can pioneer sustainable solutions that shape a brighter and greener tomorrow for generations to come.”
Announced at Plug and Play’s annual
Mobility Expo last month, the challenge will run for five months, culminating in a pitch day and winner selection during
Birmingham Tech Week, taking place 21-25 October. Successful trailblazers can expect to initiate proof-of-concepts, receive strategic funding and gain access to JLR’s innovative R&D resources.