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.
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.
What's Happening?
Program Launch
Oct. 10, 2018
Program Launch
Oct. 10, 2018
Program Launch
Oct. 10, 2018
Application Deadline
Nov. 30, 2018
Application Deadline
Nov. 30, 2018
Application Deadline
Nov. 30, 2018
Application Deadline
Nov. 30, 2018
Application Deadline
Nov. 30, 2018
Semifinalist
Proposals
Jan. 15, 2019
Semifinalist
Proposals
Jan. 15, 2019
Semifinalist
Proposals
Jan. 15, 2019
Semifinalist Proposals
Jan. 15, 2019
Semifinalist Proposals
Jan. 15, 2019
Finalist Demo
Jan. 17, 2019
Finalist Demo
Jan. 17, 2019
Finalist Demo
Jan. 17, 2019
Accelerator Begins
Feb. 25, 2019
Accelerator Begins
Feb. 25, 2019
Accelerator Begins
Feb. 25, 2019
Pilot Launch
July 30, 2019
Pilot Launch
July 30, 2019
Pilot Launch
July 30, 2019
Transit Tech Lab Challenges
In 2018, we accepted applications to solve challenges within the New York City public transportation system. Four companies will pilot their technologies with the MTA.
Subway Challenge
How can we better predict subway incident impacts and serve customers?
Two companies, Axon Vibe and Veovo, will pilot their technologies with the MTA for the Subway Challenge.
Subway Challenge
How can we better predict subway incident impacts and serve customers?
Two companies, Axon Vibe and Veovo, will pilot their technologies with the MTA for the Subway Challenge.
Axon Vibe
Provides a smartphone app that helps riders plan journeys and alerts them to disruptions based on their location. If service is changed, the app shows alternative options for reaching the rider’s destination.
Veovo
Instantly measures the number of passengers moving through a subway station to identify crowding and make service more efficient. The MTA can use this information to improve safety on platforms, change train distribution, and plan more efficient stations.
Bus Challenge
How can we make buses faster and more efficient?
Two companies, Preteckt and Remix, will pilot their technologies with the MTA for the Bus Challenge.
Bus Challenge
How can we make buses faster and more efficient?
Two companies, Preteckt and Remix, will pilot their technologies with the MTA for the Bus Challenge.
Preteckt
Studies vehicle data from buses to predict system failures at least 48 hours before the Check Engine light is activated and the bus must be removed from service. Preteckt’s insights have the potential to reduce time spent on maintenance, prevent service disruptions and reduce fleet costs.
Remix
Provides software for designing transit systems that enables MTA planners to more quickly and efficiently produce the bus network redesign outlined in the Fast Forward NYC Plan. To ensure equitable access and support public engagement, Remix’s technology uses public demographic data and generates easy-to-understand transit maps for community feedback.
Apply
Applications for the Transit Tech Lab are now closed. Sign up for updates on our next call for applications.
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.
© 2019 Partnership for New York City and Metropolitan Transportation Authority