TechCrunch Mobility Event: Wejo, CMC, iMerit & More

TC Sessions: Mobility 2021 – Final Preparations

The countdown is on for TC Sessions: Mobility 2021, scheduled for June 9th. Exciting developments continue to unfold as we finalize preparations.

The one-day event is packed with a robust agenda designed to keep attendees engaged, well-informed, and focused on strengthening their businesses.

Expect to hear from exceptional speakers – truly innovative leaders – both on the main stage and during focused breakout sessions.

Important reminder: If you haven’t secured your pass, purchase one now for $125 before the price increases at the event.

Pitch Opportunity for Early-Stage Startups

We are pleased to announce a pitch session specifically for early-stage founders who are exhibiting in the TC Sessions: Mobility expo.

Each participating startup will have a concise one-minute slot to present their venture to attendees within a dedicated breakout session.

This conference offers significant global exposure – a valuable opportunity for increased visibility!

Interested in pitching? Only two Early Stage Startup Exhibitor Packages remain available for purchase.

A Glimpse at the Session Lineup

Let’s preview some of the compelling breakout and main stage sessions planned for TC Sessions: Mobility 2021.

• Explore the latest advancements in autonomous vehicle technology.
• Discover emerging trends in electric vehicle infrastructure.
• Gain insights into the future of urban mobility solutions.
• Network with industry leaders and potential investors.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow within the rapidly evolving mobility landscape.

Advancing Mobility Solutions for a Worldwide Impact

Wednesday, June 9, 10:00 am -10:50 am PDT

Discover how the California Mobility Center (CMC) facilitates the commercialization of its clients’ cutting-edge technologies. This approach surpasses conventional demonstration or pilot initiatives, extending to full product launches and long-term market success.

An expert panel will detail the distinctive, innovative, and transformative nature of the CMC’s programs.

Featured Speakers

• Neal Best, Director of Client Services, California Mobility Center (CMC)
• Bill Brandt, Business Development Advisor, Zeus Electric Chassis
• Mark Rawson, Chief Operating Officer, California Mobility Center (CMC)
• Scott Ungerer, Founder and Managing Director, EnerTech Capital

The CMC’s methodology represents a significant shift in how new mobility technologies are introduced to the market.

This session will explore the key elements that differentiate the CMC’s offerings from standard industry practices.

Attendees will gain insights into how the CMC supports clients in achieving sustained market presence and viability.

Public-Private Partnerships: Shaping the Evolution of Transportation and Electrification

Wednesday, June 9, 10:45 am - 11:05 am PDT

The progression of mobility is fundamentally linked to advancements in transportation technologies. This session will feature insights from leading innovators regarding the potential realized through collaborative efforts between governmental and commercial organizations.

Specifically, the discussion will center on how these partnerships can redefine our approach to technology within the transportation sector. Trevor Pawl, serving as Michigan’s Chief Mobility Officer, will participate alongside Nina Grooms Lee, the Chief Product Officer at May Mobility.

Featured Speakers

• Trevor Pawl, Chief Mobility Officer, State of Michigan
• Nina Grooms Lee, Chief Product Officer, May Mobility

The session will explore the opportunities arising from the convergence of public sector initiatives and private sector ingenuity. Collaboration is key to accelerating the development and deployment of next-generation mobility solutions.

Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on how these partnerships are driving innovation and paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable transportation future. The focus will be on practical applications and real-world examples of successful public-private ventures.

Global Deployment of Supervised Autonomous Trucks

Wednesday, June 9, 12:40 pm – 1:00 pm PDT

Plus is leveraging advancements in autonomous driving to introduce supervised autonomous trucks, aiming for substantial gains in road safety, operational efficiency, and driver well-being.

This initiative directly tackles significant issues within the long-haul trucking industry, including a scarcity of drivers, frequent employee turnover, escalating fuel expenses, and the imperative to achieve sustainability objectives.

The large-scale production of PlusDrive, our supervised autonomous driving system, is scheduled to commence this summer.

Over the coming years, it is anticipated that tens of thousands of heavy-duty trucks equipped with PlusDrive will be operational on roadways worldwide.

Shawn Kerrigan, Plus’s Chief Operating Officer and co-founder, will be presenting PlusDrive and detailing the company’s advancements in the global deployment of this driver-assisted system.

He will also discuss insights gained from collaborative efforts with prominent Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and fleet operators in the development and implementation of autonomous trucks on a large scale.

• Shawn Kerrigan, COO and Co-Founder, Plus

The Role of Data and Edge Case Resolution in the Advancement of Autonomous Transportation in U.S. Cities

Wednesday, June 9, 11:00 am – 11:50 am PDT

The successful implementation of autonomous transportation systems at a large scale hinges on effectively addressing critical edge cases and leveraging the power of data. Securing municipal approval and widespread deployment necessitates robust solutions to these challenges.

Currently, numerous pilot programs are being conducted throughout the United States. Cities like Las Vegas are demonstrating leadership through forward-thinking regulations, rigorous testing protocols, and proactive adoption strategies.

However, a key question remains: how can these initial projects, often involving a small fleet of vehicles, achieve broader city-wide authorization, expand their operational scope, and ultimately serve a larger population?

Our expert panel will delve into the advancements, obstacles, and future trajectory of utilizing data to facilitate the integration of diverse autonomous transportation modalities within major U.S. urban centers.

Panelists

• Chris Barker, Founder & CEO, CBC
• Radha Basu, Founder & CEO, iMerit
• Michael Sherwood, CIO, City of Las Vegas

The discussion will focus on how data analysis is crucial for navigating complex scenarios and ensuring the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicles.

Understanding and resolving these edge cases is paramount to gaining public trust and regulatory acceptance.

The insights shared will illuminate the path toward a future where autonomous transportation is a commonplace reality in cities across the nation.

Leveraging Mobility Data for Enhanced Governmental Transportation Planning

Wednesday, June 9, 1:55 pm – 2:15 pm PDT

Wejo delivers precise and impartial journey information, gathered from a vast network of connected vehicles. This data empowers governmental bodies at the local, state, and federal levels to gain insights into traffic patterns and congestion levels.

By accessing a more comprehensive understanding of how people move, agencies can formulate improved strategies, inform policy creation, and address transportation challenges with greater efficiency for their communities.

• Brett Scott, Vice President of Partnerships

Mobility data offers a powerful tool for proactive transportation management.

The ability to visualize real-time and historical traffic conditions allows for data-driven decision-making.

Benefits for Government Agencies

Utilizing Wejo’s data allows for a more nuanced approach to urban and regional planning.

This includes identifying bottlenecks, optimizing traffic flow, and improving infrastructure investments.

Connected car data provides a level of detail previously unavailable to transportation planners.

• Improved traffic management strategies.
• Enhanced policy development based on real-world trends.
• More effective solutions to congestion and mobility issues.

Ultimately, access to this information contributes to safer, more efficient, and more sustainable transportation systems.

Can Remote Work Revitalize Mobility in Rural Japan?

Wednesday, June 9, 3:20 PM – 3:40 PM PDT

The increasing adoption of remote work, coupled with a significant shift of people from urban centers to the Japanese countryside, is driving a rise in private vehicle ownership. This session will feature Sae Hyung Jung, a seasoned entrepreneur and the founder & CEO of oVice.

oVice provides a dynamic communication platform designed to support both hybrid and fully remote interactions. The discussion will focus on the potential for this trend to catalyze substantial growth within Japan’s transportation systems and automotive infrastructure.

Speaker Information

• Sae Hyung Jung, Founder & CEO, oVice

Sae Hyung Jung will share insights into how the changing work landscape is impacting mobility needs in rural areas.

The session aims to explore whether remote work can be a key factor in stimulating improvements to Japan’s vehicle infrastructure.