VARTA® Automotive to host innovation challenge for mobility tech startups with The Drivery
HANNOVER, Germany and BERLIN, Germany, SEPT. 10, 2024 – VARTA® Automotive, the European leader in advanced low-voltage battery solutions for cars and trucks, has launched the “Future Charge” Open Innovation Challenge in partnership with The Drivery, a global innovation ecosystem for mobility startups. The challenge invites startups to compete for one of eight spots to collaborate with VARTA on innovations in customer journey and low-voltage network solutions. This initiative seeks to develop new business models and ideas that enhance sales cycles and user experiences, adapting to the rapidly evolving automotive landscape. VARTA Automotive will host the challenge for entrepreneurs who want to workshop their ideas and network with leaders from the brand’s parent company Clarios.
Clarios is the world’s largest manufacturer and supplier of low-voltage batteries and solutions, with a systems integrated approach and technological savvy to power and enhance the connected vehicles of today and the future. Today, one in three vehicles worldwide is powered by a Clarios battery, and seven out of 10 newly manufactured vehicles with start-stop technology equipped with absorbent glass mat (AGM) battery technology are fitted with VARTA batteries.
The “Future Charge” Open Innovation Challenge is open to applicants pursuing advancements in automotive battery service solutions, customer service optimization, or data utilization. The competition includes Bootcamp Days, during which contestants will connect in person with Clarios team members, who will highlight the key elements of low-voltage networks and coach participants on developing their ideas. The challenge culminates on a Pitch Day, with up to three winners, where one of them could get the chance to start a Proof of Concept with VARTA.
“As the global leader in automotive systems-integrated advanced battery technologies, we are partnering with The Drivery to connect with the brightest minds in innovations and give winning ideas the opportunity to collaborate with us on customer journey innovations around low-voltage networks,” said Theres Gosztonyi, Vice President, Aftermarket EMEA at Clarios. “We’re seeking innovators who share our mindset of opening new possibilities, options and flexibility for automotive wholesalers, repair shops and drivers.”
The Drivery is a mobility-focused innovation marketplace with an ecosystem for Open Innovation and Venture Clienting, aimed at shaping a better world through synergy. Its advanced infrastructure and innovative services drive this mission. By connecting startups with top-tier corporate partners, The Drivery crafts market-ready mobility solutions. With a keen focus on sustainable impact, it excels in building and managing innovation ecosystems. Identifying significant synergies within their fully verticalized marketplace is their forte, fostering success for all involved - members, partners, and investors.
Sebastian Leber, Director of Innovation Service and Investments at The Drivery, said: "We are pleased to partner with Clarios in supporting the Future Charge Open Innovation Challenge through our global mobility network. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to advancing new technologies in the mobility sector that will shape the future of mobility. We are particularly interested in applicants who are eager to collaborate with our client on new business models and ideas that improve their customer journey, sales cycle, and user experience around battery service ecosystems, driving the next wave of automotive advancements."
The Drivery excels in building innovation ecosystems by offering resources such as mentorship, investment opportunities, and networking with industry experts. With over 500 members, including startups, corporates, and investors, The Drivery is dedicated to advancing the future of mobility through collaboration, shaping transportation to be safer, more efficient, and sustainable.
About VARTA
VARTA® automotive batteries are powered by Clarios, the world leader in advanced energy storage solutions. We partner with our customers to meet increasing market demand for smarter applications, on a global scale. Our 18,000 employees develop, manufacture, and distribute a portfolio of evolving battery technologies for virtually every type of vehicle. Technologies that deliver uniquely sustainable, next-generation performance, and bring reliability, safety, and comfort to everyday lives. We add value at every link in the supply chain, contributing to the progress of the communities we serve and the planet we all share.
About Clarios
Clarios is the global leader in advanced, low-voltage battery technologies for mobility. Our batteries and smart solutions power nearly every type of vehicle and are found in 1 of 3 cars on the road today. With around 18,000 employees in over 100 countries, we bring deep expertise to our Aftermarket and OEM partners, and reliability, safety and comfort to everyday lives. We answer to the planet with a rigorous sustainability focus – advancing best-in-class sustainability practices and advocating for them across our industry. We work to ensure 100% of our products sold are recyclable, and we recycle 8,000 batteries an hour in our network. Clarios is a Brookfield portfolio company.
About The Drivery
The Drivery is a mobility-focused innovation marketplace with an ecosystem for Open Innovation and Venture Clienting, aimed at shaping a better world through synergy. Our advanced infrastructure and innovative services drive this mission. By connecting startups with top-tier corporate partners, The Drivery crafts market-ready mobility solutions. With a keen focus on sustainable impact, it excels in building and managing innovation ecosystems. Identifying significant synergies within our fully verticalized marketplace is our forte, fostering success for all involved - members, partners, and investors.
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Claudia Bölter
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