It is invaluable for start−ups to gain a foothold in a large firm. It is even better to be connected with two world–wide enterprises. Due to a new cooperation between Wayra Germany and Volkswagen Data:Lab, selected young entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to work together with Telefónica and Volkswagen on solutions in the field of Smart City, connectivity and mobility.

Both partners seek start−ups with technical skills in machine learning, data analytics and artificial intelligence for a cross−sector technology project. The winner of the selection day will receive financial support, aid from experienced mentors and industrial experts, and, in addition, office space and technical infrastructure.

Applications for this international call are open from January 18th to February 19th. To access, just go to: https://www.f6s.com/startupcollaborationspaceu69/apply. It can also be followed using the hashtag #vwdatalabmeetswayra.

‟At Data:Lab we are working at the trend−setting topics artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics”, says Barbara Sichler, head of the sector business development and product management at Data:Lab. “Cooperation with start−ups is very important for us in order to develop new solutions.”

For Telefónica and VW, cooperation with young entrepreneurs means gaining additional impulse concerning the digitalization of business models and processes. Telefónica Germany, together with its subsidiary Telefónica NEXT, are already taking first steps towards the realisation of Smart Cities by analyzing – among other factors – traffic mobile data.

Last November, Wayra Germany presented a new model for the promotion of start−ups which supports this approach. With this relaunch, the Venture Unit of Telefónica Germany wants to enable more advanced start−ups and young technology enterprises a direct access to the corporation and thus provide an innovation and growth spurt. The cooperation with Data:Lab furthermore underlines Wayra’s approach to link across the industrial spectrum with other companies and their innovation platforms.

“Due to the digital transformation the line between the different industries is getting thinner and thinner”, says Christian Lindener, Managing Director of Wayra Germany. “The telecommunications sector and the car industry in a way face similar challenges. If Wayra and Data:Lab bundle their competences here, everyone will benefit – not least the start−ups.”