TC Sessions: Mobility – A First Look at the Agenda

TC Sessions: Mobility is returning, and we are pleased to offer an initial overview of the speakers and discussion topics planned for the main stage.

This year’s event will be held virtually. However, attendees can expect the same high-quality panels, insightful interviews, and valuable networking opportunities they have come to anticipate.

Democratized Access and Networking

The shift to a virtual format has significantly broadened access to the event. Startups and investors alike can participate, network, and forge connections with others within the Silicon Valley ecosystem.

Furthermore, all attendees will have the opportunity to connect with one another through our dedicated matchmaking platform, CrunchMatch.

Key Discussions and Speakers

TechCrunch’s journalists and editorial team will be engaging with leading figures in the transportation sector. Discussions will center around crucial themes such as scaling electric vehicle businesses, the evolution of autonomous vehicle technology, and the challenges of launching and investing in AV startups.

Among the confirmed speakers are Alexandr Wang, founder of Scale AI; Jesse Levinson, co-founder and CTO of Zoox; Amy Jones Satrom from Nuro; renowned investor Reid Hoffman; JoeBen Bevirt, founder of Joby Aviation; Pamela Fletcher, GM’s vice president of innovation; Karl Iagnemma of Motional; and Chris Urmson, co-founder and CEO of Aurora.

Early Bird Ticket Availability

Secure your Early Bird Pass now to take advantage of $100 in savings. These discounted tickets are available for a limited time only; purchase yours here before the price increases.

AGENDA

Autonomous Deliveries Featuring Ahti Heinla (Starship), Amy Jones Satrom (Nuro) and Apeksha Kumavat (Gatik)

Before the onset of the pandemic, autonomous vehicles and robotic systems were already poised to revolutionize the delivery landscape. Over the last year, these technologies have transitioned from innovative concepts to vital solutions. This session features three companies, each employing distinct strategies to address the crucial middle and last stages of the delivery process.

Enhancing Self-Driving Capabilities Through Advanced Vision with Alexandr Wang (Scale AI)

Scale AI demonstrated remarkable foresight by recognizing the necessity for extensive, labeled datasets for AI applications. The company’s co-founder and CEO, Alex Wang, also strategically focused on the requirements of lidar sensing firms early on, establishing Scale AI as a key player in the deployment of AV networks. We will explore the complexities of interpreting sensor data in driverless vehicles and examine the future trajectory of the industry.

The Role of Venture Capital in Shaping the Future of Mobility with Clara Brenner (Urban Innovation Fund), Quin Garcia (Autotech Ventures) and Rachel Holt (Construct Capital)

Clara Brenner, Quin Garcia, and Rachel Holt will analyze how the pandemic influenced their investment decisions, identify the most promising sectors within the mobility space, discuss the emergence of SPACs as a financial tool, and outline their capital allocation plans for 2021 and beyond.

From Initial Design to Production Commuter Vehicles – and Beyond with Jesse Levinson (Zoox)

After years of development and considerable anticipation, Zoox revealed the design of its purpose-built autonomous vehicle. Simultaneously, the company was acquired by Amazon in a significant transaction designed to provide ample resources while maintaining operational independence. We’ll hear from co-founder and CTO Jesse Levinson regarding the experience of developing an autonomous car company under the umbrella of a major commerce organization.

Electric Vehicle Founders Spotlight with Ben Schippers (TezLab)

We will be speaking with founders who are well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing demand for electric vehicles. Our conversation will include Ben Schippers, co-founder and CEO of TezLab, an application that functions as a fitness tracker for Tesla vehicles (and soon, other EVs), providing drivers with detailed insights into their driving data. The app also details the precise sources and proportions of fossil fuels and renewable energy used for charging.

The Future of Aerial Transportation with JoeBen Bevirt (Joby Aviation) and Reid Hoffman (Reinvent Technology Partners)

JoeBen Bevirt, founder of Joby Aviation, dedicated over a decade to the discreet development of an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing passenger aircraft. He is now preparing for a new growth phase as Joby Aviation merges with a special purpose acquisition company established by renowned investor and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman. Bevirt and Hoffman will discuss the challenges of building a startup (and maintaining secrecy during fundraising), the future of flight, and, naturally, SPACs.

Equity, Accessibility, and Urban Mobility with Tamika L. Butler (Tamika L. Butler Consulting), Tiffany Chu (Remix/Via) and Frank Reig (Revel)

Is it possible for mobility solutions to be accessible, equitable, and profitable simultaneously? We have assembled a panel including community organizer, transportation consultant, and lawyer Tamika L. Butler; Remix/Via co-founder and CEO Tiffany Chu; and Revel co-founder and CEO Frank Reig to discuss how shared mobility can promote equity in cities while remaining financially sustainable. The discussion will also address the challenges facing urban centers and the potential impact of policy on startups.

The Expansion of Robotaxis in China with Tony Han (WeRide), Jewel Li (AutoX) and Huan Sun (Momenta Europe)

Silicon Valley has traditionally been considered the epicenter of autonomous vehicle development. However, another nation is also making significant strides. Executives from three prominent Chinese robotaxi companies (with operations in Europe and the U.S.) will share insights into the unique obstacles of developing and deploying this technology in China and how it differs from other regions.

Sponsored by Plus: Global Deployment of Supervised Autonomous Trucks with Shawn Kerrigan (Plus)

Plus is implementing autonomous driving technology to launch supervised autonomous trucks, aiming to significantly enhance safety, efficiency, and driver comfort. This addresses critical issues in long-haul trucking, including driver shortages, high turnover rates, rising fuel costs, and sustainability objectives. Mass production of PlusDrive, our supervised autonomous driving solution, will begin this summer. Within the next few years, tens of thousands of heavy trucks equipped with PlusDrive will be operational. Plus’s COO and Co-Founder Shawn Kerrigan will present PlusDrive and our progress in deploying this driver-assisted solution worldwide, as well as share insights gained from collaborating with leading OEMs and fleet partners.

Innovation at General Motors with Pam Fletcher (GM)

GM is undergoing substantial transformations that will ultimately result in a complete transition to an electric vehicle-only lineup of cars, trucks, and SUVs. However, the automaker’s commitment to electrifying passenger vehicles is only one aspect of its broader effort to lead in innovation and the future of transportation. We’ll speak with Pam Fletcher, Vice President of Innovation at GM, a key figure in the 113-year-old automaker’s drive to become a more agile, technology-focused organization.

AVs: A Historical Perspective, Current Status, and Future Outlook with Karl Iagnemma (Motional) and Chris Urmson (Aurora)

TechCrunch Mobility will engage in conversation with two pioneering figures, and competitors, who are spearheading the commercialization of autonomous vehicles. Karl Iagnemma, President of the $4 billion Hyundai-Aptiv joint venture Motional, and Chris Urmson, co-founder and CEO of Aurora, will discuss – and potentially debate – the optimal approach to AV development and deployment, share anecdotes from the industry’s early days, and offer predictions for the future.

Electric Vehicle Founders Spotlight

We will be speaking with founders who are well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing demand for electric vehicles. This time, we will chat with Kameale Terry, co-founder and CEO of ChargerHelp!, a startup that provides on-demand repair services for electric vehicle charging stations.

Sponsored by: Wejo: Providing Mobility Data to Government Agencies to Address Evolving Transportation Needs with Bret Scott (Wejo)

Wejo delivers accurate and unbiased journey data, collected from millions of connected vehicles, to assist local, state, and federal government agencies in visualizing traffic and congestion patterns. This enables a deeper understanding of mobility trends, facilitating better decision-making, policy development, and more effective problem-solving for towns and cities.

The Robotic Future of Mobility with James Kuffner (Toyota Research Institute)

Automotive manufacturers are increasingly focusing on robotics as the future of mobility, encompassing manufacturing, autonomy, and beyond. We’ll be speaking with the head of robotics initiatives at one of the world’s largest automakers to learn how this technology is poised to reshape the industry.

TICKETS

As a unique token of appreciation for readers who have reached the conclusion of this article, a further 15% discount is available on ticket purchases. Utilize the promotional code “agenda2021” within the ticket purchasing interface to redeem this offer.

Don't delay – Early Bird pricing is set to expire within a few days. Secure your passes now to benefit from the greatest possible cost savings.