New CivVic Labs challenge to focus on access to public transport | LaunchVic
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New CivVic Labs challenge to focus on access to public transport

Announcements

Expressions of Interest Close 10am March 4.

 

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST ARE OPEN AGAIN FOR THE LATEST ROUND OF CIVVIC LABS, LAUNCHVIC’S PROGRAM CONNECTING STARTUPS AND THE PUBLIC SECTOR TO HELP SOLVE REAL-WORLD CHALLENGES.

For the latest challenge, we’re joining forces with the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) to ask Victorian innovators: 

“How might we use technology to ensure that all passengers have fair and equitable access to public transport?” 

 Ten startups will be selected for this challenge, each receiving $15,000 in equity-free funding to develop their solution in a six-week design sprint April-June 2024. 

 At the end of the experience, each startup will pitch for a further $35,000 to bring the solution to life. 

About the Program 

CivVic Labs fosters collaboration between emerging startups and key government departments, and an agile co-design process to support startups in identifying product-market fit.  

 The program’s focus on generating commercially ready startups has seen participants raise over $2.5 million in capital in under two years. Read more. 

 

Teams from our 2023 Challenge with VicHealth

Overview of the Challenge 

The current challenge with DTP focuses on making access to the public transport network equitable for all passengers, particularly those impacted by blindness, low vision, deafness, mobility issues, and neurological or psychological disabilities.  

In August 2023, DTP conducted extensive research into the customer journeys of people with disabilities using public transport, revealing significant challenges, including high time and cost penalties for travel, on-network stress points, and a lack of real-time community-level information sharing. 

CivVic Labs will offer an unparalleled opportunity for startups to work closely with DTP and relevant stakeholders, addressing these challenges and contributing to the creation of a more inclusive and equitable public transport system.  

What to Expect 

LaunchVic is seeking 10 startups or startup entrepreneurs to participate, offering access to world-class mentors, community and stakeholder experts, and potential promotional support from DTP and LaunchVic.   

Two startups will receive additional seed funding at the program’s conclusion.