Celebrating the Success of Ford Smart Mobility Accelerator Programme
After six weeks of ideation, innovation, and creative problem-solving, the very first Ford Smart Mobility Accelerator Programme has come to an end, and what a way to finish. With a Pitch Day hosted at Ford’s offices in Dunton, Essex, the programme could not have ended on a higher note.
Supported by Ford Philanthropy and delivered in collaboration with Resolution Project, the Ford Mobility Accelerator launched in March to help students across the UK transform their ideas into impactful social enterprises addressing mobility-related challenges. From identifying and understanding problems to exploring financial sustainability and impact measurement, participants were equipped with the tools and skills needed to build innovative ventures capable of creating real change in communities.
Over the course of six weeks, more than 300 students from over 50 universities explored real-world challenges and developed creative solutions. The programme received more than 40 mobility-focused project submissions, with ideas addressing transportation access, economic mobility, access to essential services, and barriers to healthcare and education.
As the programme came to a close, the impact on students was clear. Over 90% of participants reported feeling more career-ready after completing the programme, while 97% said they felt more confident in their ability to launch their own projects.
One student shared:
"I truly enjoyed how the Ford Mobility Accelerator Programme transformed strategic planning into a practical and empowering experience. The programme provided me with the essential tools to ensure my future projects are not only imaginative, but also capable of achieving real-world impact through effective planning."
Ford Mobility Accelerator Pitch Day, Ford’s offices in Dunton, Essex
Last week, six students took to the stage at Ford’s Dunton offices to present their solutions to a panel of judges, showcasing the very best of student-led innovation and securing funding to support the implementation of their ideas.
Congratulations to the winning projects:
SideQuest – Katie Wilson, Heriot-Watt University
SideQuest aims to reshape diabetes education for young people, helping children and teenagers better understand and manage their condition. The app uses gamification to engage users while supporting real-time blood sugar tracking.
The Branch CIC – Daniel Lamptey, Arden University
In Leeds, the shortage of emergency placements for young children has reached crisis levels. The Branch aims to address this through: (1) a rapid-response carer network trained in stabilisation techniques, (2) a digital matching platform to help authorities identify available resources, and (3) transition support for children, including therapy and educational services.
A final thank you to Ford Philanthropy for powering this programme and for your continued commitment to supporting the next generation of responsible leaders. It’s been an inspiring six weeks and we’re incredibly proud of everything the students have achieved. The programme has shown the level of innovation that can emerge when students are given the right opportunities and the freedom to take ownership of their ideas. A huge thank you to everyone who took part and helped bring this first edition of the Ford Smart Mobility Accelerator to life, we can’t wait to see what comes next!
