Revolutionising urban spaces: Clean Air Street collaboration
In a pioneering collaboration, Energy Systems Catapult and Connected Places Catapult joined forces with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Urban Morph, and the Department of Urban Land Transport (DULT) Bengaluru, to transform a central city street into a groundbreaking ‘Clean Air Street.’ This initiative served as a dynamic testbed for UK and Indian clean air and electric vehicle (EV) SMEs/startups, fostering innovation and sustainability.
Key outcomes
Showcasing innovations on Clean Air Street
SMEs enjoyed a unique platform to showcase their electrified vehicles, gaining exposure to potential customers and essential consumer feedback.
Linking with the EV ecosystem
The exposure gained through the initiative became a powerful tool for SMEs, establishing relationships with new partners and generating leads.
Encouraging citizen awareness
This engagement experience went beyond showcasing products; it allowed SMEs to share their vision and establish a meaningful dialogue with the community.
Assessing local economic impact
Feedback from businesses on the street provided evidence for DULT to consider pedestrianisation measures in other parts of the city, showcasing the potential economic impact of such initiatives.
The multi award-winning ‘Clean Air Street’ initiative served as a vibrant testbed for over 10 UK and Indian clean air and EV SMEs and start-ups. Given special recognition at the Volvo Indian Innovation Summit 2021, the project provided a real-world platform to showcase, test, and gather feedback on their solutions.
The collaborative effort captured the impact of street closure on various aspects, including air pollution, residents’ quality of life, and the economic dynamics of local businesses. Innovators participating in Clean Air Street not only gained exposure to potential customers, but also contributed to citizen awareness and sustainable behaviour.
By offering a real-world, low risk context in which SMEs and partners were able to test solutions and forge links within the EV ecosystem, the project fostered relationships and impact lasting far beyond the event itself. Clean Air Street proved to be a catalyst for economic change, with positive evaluations prompting plans for pedestrianisation measures in other parts of the city.
This pioneering collaboration exemplifies how innovative partnerships can drive change in urban spaces, creating a blueprint for sustainable, clean air initiatives worldwide.
