Factory1: Why mobility, urbanization and climate protection are driving forces behind this accelerator

With their „Factory1“ Accelerator Program, Kapsch invites startups to work on innovative solutions in the mobility sector and offers unique opportunities to collaborate with the globally-operating technology group and its partners. Throughout a four-months period the program „Factory1 2K19“ provides equity free financial resources and expert mentoring.

300 applications from 60 countries

In 2017 the Factory1 accelerator program had almost 300 applications from over 60 countries. At the end of the program 7 proof of concepts were finished. The application for the upcoming batch closed in Dezember and we talked to Marcus Handl, Head of Corporate Development & Innovation, about how Kapsch helps startups to step on the gas with the accelerator program Factory1.

„Working together with startups offers us the possibility to fill our own gaps and to find viable solutions to real problems“, says Handl. „It also offers the opportunity to enter partnerships and to find new perspectives through the exchange of minds“.

Mediator between people and technology

Kapsch is spending more than 10 percent of its revenues in R&D. „Kapsch has always regarded itself as a mediator between what people need and what technology is offering. As a future-oriented company Kapsch has always tackled diverse challenges and has always had an eye on becoming a pioneer in its industry“, says Handl.

Kapsch chose an Open Innovation approach to detect disruptive technology early. Handl: „For this we work together with a couple of external stakeholders, for example universities“. For Kapsch mobility, urbanization, digitalization and climate protection are driving forces of the industry.