Urban Mobility Disruptor

From Research to Real-World Impact in Urban Mobility

Taking Innovation Beyond Academia

Urban Mobility Disruptor empowers researchers, academics, and early-stage innovators to translate urban mobility ideas into market-ready solutions for smarter, cleaner, and more connected cities. Whether you are advancing new technologies or pioneering mobility concepts, the program builds the entrepreneurial mindset and practical skills needed to test assumptions, validate demand, and engage with the ecosystem around sustainable urban mobility.

Participants follow a structured journey combining training, mentoring, market validation, and stakeholder connections—supporting the transition from scientific knowledge to deployable innovation.

Offered free of charge to support the next generation of urban mobility innovators.

Registrations will open soon!

Applications Deadline

To be confirmed soon

Duration

4 Months (April - July 2026 )

Language

English

Price

Free

Location

Online

For More information

urban.mobility@bgi.pt

Why Join?

• Gain entrepreneurial skills tailored to academia and researchers
• Learn how to validate your technology’s market potential
• Engage in one-on-one mentoring with industry experts
• Discover real-world piloting and funding opportunities• Pitch to cities, corporates, and investors

Who Should Apply?

We’re looking for:
• Junior or senior researchers in urban mobility–related areas of expertise

• Early-stage entrepreneurs developing urban mobility technologies or solutions

• Innovators working in the urban mobility sector at TRL 3–6*

All applicants should be either based in Portugal, of any nationality, or Portuguese citizens based anywhere in Europe and associated countries.
* TRL 3–6 refers to Technology Readiness Levels ranging from early experimental proof of concept to a system or prototype demonstrated in a relevant environment.

Key Benefits

Participation is free of charge

Tailored for researchers, academics, and innovators taking their first steps toward entrepreneurshipEmphasis on capacity-building, real-world testing, and market exposure within the urban mobility sector

Facilitates direct interaction with key stakeholders, supporting the transition from research to market-ready solutionsDelivered primarily online, culminating in an in-person Final Demo DayImplemented by BGI Sustainable Ventures and EIT Urban Mobility, with with no equity or IP requirementsSupport in identifying follow-up opportunities to advance, pilot, or scale research outcomes

Program timeline & structure

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Phase 1: Roadshow

Timeline to be announced soon!
Offers a snapshot of the entrepreneurial mindset, showing how innovation can extend the impact of your research beyond the lab. It introduces key concepts and inspiration to kick-start your journey, while showcasing how the Urban Mobility Disruptor Program supports you with tools, mentoring, and pathways to turn ideas into action.

Phase 2: Online Bootcamp

Timeline to be announced soon!
Strengthen your entrepreneurial capabilities, sharpen your solution and pitch, and define a clear market exploration strategy for your urban mobility research, with guidance from sector experts.

Phase 3: Market Discovery Journey

Timeline to be announced soon!
Description: Explore and validate market opportunities through direct interaction with urban mobility stakeholders and tailored mentoring support.

Phase 4: Final Demo Day

Timeline to be announced soon!
Description: Present your solution live to a jury of experts, industry representatives, and ecosystem actors in urban mobility.

Format: One in-person final event

Meet the disruptors

Prof. Özge Akbulut

Your research belongs in the world not just the journal. It’s not enough to publish. As scientists, we owe it to the public to turn knowledge into impact.”

Prof. Özge Akbulut is a materials scientist and professor at Sabancı University, with academic roots at MIT and Harvard. Her work spans biomedical devices and advanced manufacturing — all driven by one goal: turning science into real-world solutions.

She is the founder of Surgitate, a company producing realistic surgical training models used by medical professionals around the world. Her groundbreaking innovations have earned her recognition from the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT), including the prestigious RIS LEADERS award for her work in sustainable ceramics manufacturing.

Prof. Akbulut is proof that the lab is just the beginning — and that researchers can be some of the most powerful innovators of our time.

Focus Area - Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Startup - Surgitate
Country - Türkiye

Dr. Clément Lemardelé

‍Vaive Logistics, S.L., Co-founder

Clément Lemardelé is an expert in mobility and logistics, holding a PhD in logistics modeling and optimization from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC). With a dual academic background in Civil Engineering from Centrale Supélec (France) and UPC, his research focuses on innovative last-mile logistics solutions, particularly the integration of autonomous delivery robots with urban micro-hub networks.

He is the co-founder of Vaive Logistics, a startup advancing sustainable last-mile delivery through automation and data-driven optimization. His expertise in technical innovation, project leadership, and strategic planning plays a critical role in shaping Vaive Logistics’ growth and in driving real-world impact across the logistics sector.
‍
Focus Area - Last Mile Logistics
Startup - Vaive Logistics
Country - Spain

See RIS eligibility for 2025–2027

‍EU Member States: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia

‍Horizon Europe Associated Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Israel, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye, Ukraine

‍Outermost Regions: Guadeloupe (France), French Guiana, Réunion, Martinique, Mayotte and Saint-Martin (France), the Azores and Madeira (Portugal), and the Canary Islands (Spain)

In collaboration with

Frequently Asked Questions

Talk to us

Which countries are considered part of the EIT RIS (Regional Innovation Scheme)?

-EU Member States: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia

-Horizon Europe Associated Countries: Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye, Ukraine

-Outermost Regions: Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Réunion, Martinique, Mayotte and Saint-Martin (France), The Azores and Madeira (Portugal), The Canary Islands (Spain)

Is there a prize for the winning team?

While the program does not offer a monetary prize, the top-performing team will receive expert support to apply for future opportunities within EIT Urban Mobility. This includes tailored guidance to navigate funding, piloting, and acceleration programs.

Do I need a startup to apply?

No. You do not need to have a registered company. This program is designed for researchers, academics, and innovators with promising projects, prototypes, or early-stage technologies.

Can I apply as a team?

Yes. Teams are welcome to apply. Each team should assign a lead applicant who will be the main point of contact.

What language will the program be delivered in?

The entire Urban Mobility Disruptor Program — including the Roadshow events, Bootcamp sessions, and Final Pitch Event — will be delivered in English.

Is the Urban Mobility Disruptor program free to attend?

Yes, the program is free for all selected participants. It is fully funded by EIT Urban Mobility and program partners. We just ask for your commitment and motivation.

How will my research and intellectual property be protected during the UMDisruptor Program?

Your research confidentiality is a priority. While you are free to choose what details you share during the program, all mentors collaborating with research teams in the UMDisruptor Program are required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to ensure your intellectual property remains protected.

Do I need a visa to participate in the in-person events?

Participants from outside the EU may require a visa to attend physical sessions. While the program does not facilitate visa applications directly, we will provide an official invitation letter confirming your selection and participation in the program, which you can include in your visa application.

Will I receive a certificate for participating?

Yes. Participants who complete the Bootcamp and/or Market Discovery Journey will receive a certificate of completion.

Are travel and accommodation costs covered for the final pitch event in Portugal?

Travel and accommodation costs for the final pitch event will be initially paid by the participants themselves but can be reimbursed based on eligibility. Specifically, five teams from each region will be selected to attend the final event in Lisbon, Portugal, and each of these teams will be reimbursed up to €500 in total (for economy-class travel and three-star hotel accommodation) upon presenting valid receipts.

In this program, regions are defined as follows:
-South West Europe: Croatia, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain

-South East Europe: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Hungary, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovakia, Türkiye

-North East Europe: Czechia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Ukraine

Can I reapply if I’m not selected this year?

Yes. We encourage you to stay connected with us and apply again in future rounds. You can also follow our partner channels to explore other EIT Urban Mobility programs.

Our Impact

+120

Participants

32+

Speakers

15+

Nationalities

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