Apply to the
Transit Tech Lab
The Transit Tech Lab is an accelerator program for startups solving public transportation challenges. Successful companies have an opportunity to pilot their technology with the MTA and transform New York City.
Applications are now closed and will be reviewed by evaluators throughout December 2018. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Key Dates
October 10, 2018
Transit Tech Lab public launch
November 14, 2018
Info session
November 26, 2018
Webinar
November 30, 2018
Applications to join the first lab cohort are due
January 15, 2019
Semifinalists present proposals
February 25, 2019
8-week accelerator begins collaboration with MTA
June 3, 2019
Launch pilots to test promising solutions with MTA
Who Should Apply?
Early- and growth-stage technology companies with innovative solutions to one or both of the Lab challenges:
Challenge No. 1
How can we better predict subway incident impacts and serve customers?
Challenge No. 2
How can we make buses faster and more efficient?
Requirements
- Companies must have a working version of their technology and proven track record of successfully integrating with customers
- If selected, key team members must relocate to New York City for the duration of the program.
FAQs
How does the Transit Tech Lab work?
Applicants participate in a rigorous selection process that may include in-person presentations. At the conclusion of the application process, the MTA will select companies to participate in an 8-week accelerator, during which time companies will have an opportunity to learn about the MTA and modify their technology to meet the transit system's needs. Following the accelerator, the MTA will select the most promising companies to deploy a 12-month, unpaid pilot with the transit system. The Transit Tech Lab offers companies an opportunity to demonstrate their technology in the nation’s largest transit system and receive mentorship.
Do companies receive compensation for participating in the Transit Tech Lab?
There is no compensation for participation in the Transit Tech Lab, and pilots are unpaid. The Transit Tech Lab will host an info session on public grant programs that companies may apply to, such as as the NYSERDA Clean Transportation Program.
Who are the Transit Tech Lab private sector evaluators participating alongside MTA subject matter experts?
- Reilly Brennan, General Partner, Trucks Venture Capital
- Ken Bronfin, Senior Managing Director & Head of International Investments, Hearst Ventures
- Shana Fisher, Managing Director, Third Kind Venture Capital
- Maria Gotsch, President & CEO, Partnership Fund for New York City
- Nick Grossman, General Manager, Union Square Ventures
- Dylan Hixon, Principal, Arden Road Investments
- Brian Keil, Managing Director, NYS Innovation VC Fund, Empire State Development Corporation
- Linda Kirkpatrick, Executive Vice President, U.S. Market Development, Mastercard
- Kevin Ryan, Chairman & Founder, Zola, Workframe, Nomad Health, Mongo DB
What are the evaluation criteria for Transit Tech Lab applications?
Impact: Technology is workable in the MTA's environment, presents a viable solution relevant to the chosen challenge, and has the potential to positively impact performance and/or customer experience
Product: Technology is in prototype or later phase and available for live demonstration and the applicant is able to present metrics illustrating market fit and use by paying customers
Team: The company has a qualified team and is available for participation in person in New York City throughout the Transit Tech Lab program
Value: The technology presents a new way of deriving more value from existing MTA assets, presents a potential new revenue source or cost savings for the MTA and/or offers an opportunity to more efficiently manage infrastructure, operations or customer service
Contact Us
Still have questions? Contact us at news@transitinnovation.org.
© 2018 Partnership for New York City and Metropolitan Transportation Authority