JLR launches Global Innovation Challenge for sustainability

Plug and Play, in collaboration with JLR and TechWM, has announced the launch of the JLR Global Innovation Challenge.

The challenge is designed to promote and support sustainable solutions within the automotive industry, inviting startups, scale-ups, SMEs, academia, and other innovators worldwide to propose ideas that align with JLR’s vision of sustainability-focused modern luxury by design.

Winners will have the opportunity for funding, collaboration with JLR experts, and industry exposure.

Prizes include £50,000 for the winner and £20,000 each for the second and third runner-ups.

The challenge seeks innovations that demonstrate environmental and societal impact, technological feasibility, and scalability, with applications encouraged under the themes of circular economy, decarbonisation and net zero, sustainable mobility, and ESG.

Kieran Borrett, Director of Plug and Play UK, said: “Technology and business model innovation, enabled through collaboration is the only way we can create a sustainable world for generations to come. This challenge is an important example of a globally recognised brand, opening up and committing to collaboration with innovation partners. We are proud to be working with JLR and TechWM.”

Yiannis Maos MBE, CEO of TechWM, said: “This partnership is a great example of how the West Midlands continues to invest in world-class innovation and entrepreneurship. To have a heritage brand like JLR coming together with Plug and Play and TechWM is a testament to the ambition that we share to lead on the world stage.

“The region’s rich history has an important part to play in its future, and this collaboration will see inventive solutions brought forward that have the opportunity to change the automotive industry’s approach to sustainability. I’m delighted that TechWM can play its part in supporting such visionary entrepreneurs.”