To accelerate the growth of startup companies working on smart mobility and other next-generation automotive technologies, Drive TLV, a unique innovation hub, has set up new mobility proving ground and development centre in Israel this year.
The centre, POWER by Drive, includes a 20,000-square-foot proving ground and a headquarters facility with meeting rooms, offices and laboratories for high-tech startups and corporate partners.
The centre officially opened recently for testing, technology validation and collaboration by startups. It also supports several corporate partners, including Honda, Volvo Cars, Volvo Group, Denso, NEC Corporation, Novelis, Cox Automotive, Hertz, Ituran, Next Gear Ventures and Israel’s Mayer Cars and Trucks Group. It is located in suburban Tel Aviv.
According to Eyal Rabin, Manager, POWER, the test track can be set up with traffic lights, roundabouts, street signs and other features to simulate a wide variety of traffic situations. In addition, the secure geo-fenced facility guarantees user privacy and protects the confidential nature of technology under development.
Engineers from the Mayer Cars and Trucks Group will support test and development programmes at the centre.
Dr Tal Cohen, Co-founder, Drive TLV, said POWER by Drive is a logical next step in the commercialisation process that includes its FastLane programme, which is designed to match high-tech startups with major corporate players in the mobility market. Startups that have participated in the programme have raised a total of more than $1 billion in the past four years.
Technologies under development at Drive include different levels of automated driving and ADAS, connectivity software, automated vehicle-inspection systems, a variety of vehicle electrification projects and smart-city applications.