#15: SMART Car Tires
SMART Tire is collaborating with Hyundai and Kia to power development of the first high performance airless automotive tire made from shape memory alloys.
With over 150 applications for the Accelerate the Future Challenge, The SMART Tire Company (STC) has been selected as one of the 5 winners that will explore a paid proof of concept and collaboration with two of the largest automotive manufacturers in the world, Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation. The Accelerate the Future Challenge has a mission of facilitating startup-corporate collaborations within the Smart Factory, Robotics, Advanced Automotive Technology, and Smart Mobility domains.
“We are the only US-based winner, chosen from 158 startup applicants from around the world. What an honor, and powerful validation of our groundbreaking, shape memory alloy tire technology. If you've been waiting for a signal that SMART Tire is for real and that we're going after the biggest markets possible, what better way than working with two of the hottest Global 500 automakers in the world?” - Earl Cole, CEO, The SMART Tire Company
Hyundai and Kia are among the fastest growing and profitable automakers on the planet. With combined revenues of over $163B they outsell Mercedes, BMW, Ford, GM, Honda, Nissan and Tesla among others, and are at the forefront of the EV revolution.
“This new tire technology has been previously recognized with both R&D 100 and CES Innovation Awards. In addition to our bicycle, scooter, and lunar tire projects (NASA), STC is kicking off development of the first rubber-integrated, airless automotive tire made from shape memory alloys.” - Brian Yennie, CTO, The SMART Tire Company
After a successful previous edition, the Accelerate the Future Challenge was launched once again in 2022 to facilitate startup collaborations with HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY and KIA CORPORATION (HMC & KIA), one of the largest automotive companies in the world. Set up by UNKNOWN GROUP – a Dutch VC and Open Innovation firm – this year’s focus areas were Smart Factory, Robotics, Advance Automotive Technology, and Smart Mobility with the vision to build a brighter future for all.
As an initiative meant to support HMC & KIA reach their innovation goals through startup collaborations like working with The SMART Tire Company, the aim is to build a safer, smarter, and human-centric mobility ecosystem.
“It has been another exciting year with the Accelerate the Future Challenge. This year, Hyundai and Kia business units were able to engage with innovative startups within the Smart Factory, Robotics, Advanced R&D Solution and Smart Mobility Solution domains. We are proud to announce the finalists of this year and all the teams are looking forward to collaborating even more actively by working on the PoC projects.” - Kwangmo Moon, Senior Open Innovation Manager, Hyundai Motor Group
[See full press release here.]
