- INFINITI and Nest launch a pioneering new startup program for entrepreneurs
- Startup companies from around the world can apply now here
- Builds on successful Accelerator programs in Hong Kong for Smart Cities & Internet of Things startups
HONG KONG – INFINITI Motor Company, Ltd. and Nest, a leading venture capital firm and innovation partner, have announced the launch of "INFINITI LAB, Smart Mobility" in Singapore, a unique program created to give founders the opportunity to achieve validation of their business over the course of eight weeks. Applications are open until February 12, 2017 and the program will culminate in June 2017.
INFINITI LAB, Smart Mobility has a defined objective: give high-potential startups in mobility and connectivity intensive training and mentoring, so they can pitch a viable business-use case to INFINITI's senior decision makers and key innovation stakeholders from across the Renault-Nissan Alliance. The eight-week program is aimed at startups that have advanced from the idea stage and are ready to gain validation in a commercial setting. INFINITI calls this an Ignition program, a stage beyond the traditional Accelerator format.
"This program is a key part of INFINITI's initiative to promote entrepreneurial spirit in the business community," said Roland Krueger, president of INFINITI Motor Company. "Automobiles play an important role in future intelligent cities. Technologies of connectivity will enable vehicles to communicate with each other and with city infrastructures. This will significantly enhance the driving experience, and INFINITI is committed to leading the development in this area."
"INFINITI LAB, Smart Mobility" is part of INFINITI's ongoing commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship – with course content designed specifically to prepare early-stage companies in the fields of smart mobility and connected technology for corporate integration.
Up to eight startups will be selected by an experienced panel before being invited to Singapore from April to June 2017 to join the first-of-its-kind initiative. Each founder will receive dedicated mentorship and guidance from industry experts at INFINITI and Nest, tailored to help refine their business models and prepare them to pitch for a proof of concept (POC) project with INFINITI by the end of the eight weeks. There will also be an investor Demo Day to give the startups the opportunity to pitch to investors with the aim of securing further funding and new business opportunities.
The program is strategically located in Singapore, one of the world's most progressive nations in regard to its commitment to building a fully smart, connected and sustainable city. The startups, which will be selected from local and international applications, will be intrinsically linked to the Singaporean innovation ecosystem for the duration of the program and benefit from the wealth of opportunities available through the alignment with the Government's Smart Nation initiative.
INFINITI LAB - Mobile LAB + Jason Hoskings, Red Garage Ventures
Infiniti's Dane Fisher drives with entrepreneur Jason Hoskings in this episode of Mobile LAB. From being a startup CEO to being the Founding Director of Red Garage Ventures (part of the Coca-Cola's Founders Platform), Jason shares with Dane his insights on where his journey is taking him.
INFINITI has chosen to once again work with innovation partner Nest following two successful accelerator programs in Hong Kong. INFINITI also plans to expand entrepreneurial initiatives to other cities during 2017.
"This program could be transformational for early-stage companies who need commercial validation of their product," said Nest CEO, Lawrence Morgan. "Startups need the opportunity to test their products and theories, and this program is highly focused on giving founders a clear path to POC so they can quickly gain traction and scale."
For more information about the program and other entrepreneurial initiatives from INFINITI LAB, please visit https://www.infiniti-singapore.com/infiniti-lab.html
Applications open today and the deadline for submissions is February 12, 2017.
About INFINITI
INFINITI Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with sales operations in over 50 countries. The INFINITI brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan, the United States, United Kingdom and China. INFINITI plans to also expand manufacturing into Mexico by 2017.
INFINITI design studios are located in Atsugi-Shi near Yokohama, London, San Diego and Beijing.
INFINITI is in the middle of a major product offensive. The brand has been widely acclaimed for its daring design and innovative driver-assistance technologies.
From the 2016 season, INFINITI is a technical partner of the Renault Sport Formula One team, contributing its expertise in hybrid performance.
More information about INFINITI and its industry leading technologies can be found at www.infiniti.com. You can also follow INFINITI on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.
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Contact
Jodie Davies
Senior Manager, INFINITI Global Communications
INFINITI Motor Company Ltd., Hong Kong
Phone: +852 3948 0903
Mobile: +852 9542 1717
Email: jodie.davies@infiniti.com
Samantha Pang
Senior Officer, INFINITI Global Communications
INFINITI Motor Company Ltd., Hong Kong
Phone: +852 3948 0148
Mobile: +852 9447 9742
Email : samantha.pang@infiniti.com