Toyota’s CATCH: Here’s how you can help solve traffic jams



Whether cars are powered by petrol, electricity, hydrogen or even the sun, alternative energy sources don’t reduce number of vehicles on the road, even if emissions do become cleaner. In light of the ever-growing population of vehicles in major cities, next-generation urban and mobility planning is undoubtedly challenging.

To drive the future of mobility, Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) has entered into an agreement with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) to launch the City Architecture for Tomorrow Challenge (CATCH) – a contest where participants – from start-ups, academics and research institutions to corporates, or even the general public – can conceptualise and develop solutions that are data-driven for future city infrastructures.

Shin Aoyama, President of Secretariat, Toyota Mobility Foundation, said, “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.”

The contest will run over eight months, with TMF providing grants at every stage of the challenge; up to US$1.5 million in total to support the participants and for trial-testing of the solutions in Kuala Lumpur. Participants will also have access to expert mentors and be part of an incubation programme.

CATCH will also provide participants with data from partners such as the Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Royal Malaysia Police, Land Public Transport Agency, Grab, MapIT MSC, Mass Rapid Transit Corporation and Prasarana Malaysia to working out their urban planning solutions.

To find out more about CATCH and how to participate, get in touch with Toyota Mobility Foundation at [email protected] or call +81-3-3817-9960.