This was IAA.prototype.club 2024

All Eyes On The Startup Area

The IAA Transportation 2024 was more than just a trade fair — it was a bold statement about the future of mobility. At prototype.club, we brought together the brightest minds, the most disruptive startups and industry giants to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing urban infrastructure, road safety, and sustainability.

APCOA Challenge: Smart Urban Infrastructure

One of the major highlights was the APCOA Challenge, which focused on optimizing urban spaces through innovative parking and city infrastructure solutions. Startups like PIONIX GmbH, SimParQ GmbH, RiDERgy, EatFresh GmbH, and fleetbay GmbH brought fresh perspectives and game-changing ideas to the table. From smart parking systems to efficient use of urban space, their concepts inspired lively discussions about future collaborations.

As Niels Christ from APCOA put it,

“The discussions with startups revealed the immense creativity in developing sustainable and smart urban space solutions. We’re excited about potential partnerships ahead.”

We will continue to work together in the future. As a decentralized development department, we contribute to the successful development of the Urban Hubs.

APCOA’s permanent challenge

Announcing the Daimler Truck Challenge: Driver's Vital & Mood Detection Challenge

At the IAA Transportation 2024, we proudly kicked off the Driver’s Vital & Mood Detection Challenge in partnership with Daimler Truck AG. This challenge, which is now officially underway, focuses on developing cutting-edge technology that monitors the health and emotional state of truck drivers in real-time. By detecting signs of fatigue or stress through biometric data, the system aims to proactively enhance road safety and support drivers on long journeys. We’re excited to see how this groundbreaking technology evolves throughout the challenge and look forward to the innovations that will reshape safety in the trucking industry. Stay tuned as the challenge unfolds!

See the challenge

The Heart of Innovation: Startups from Around the World

At the heart of IAA 2024 was the Startup Area, where prototype.club proudly presented 36 startups from 15 countries, each bringing cutting-edge technologies to the forefront. From e-mobility and hydrogen solutions to the latest advancements in digital infrastructure, these startups showcased a vision of a more sustainable and connected future.

With constant activity at our stand—thanks to our popular photo booth and startup pitches—industry experts, investors, and curious attendees engaged in meaningful discussions on how to turn these innovations into real-world solutions.

Red Bull Basement Workshop: Empowering Startups

A key feature of the IAA was the Red Bull Basement Workshop, where startups had the opportunity to refine their problem-solving approaches through Design Thinking. The workshop covered essential topics like fundraising, team dynamics, and business model innovation, offering participants practical tools to scale their ideas. A recurring theme throughout the sessions was the importance of customer feedback in shaping a startup’s direction—reinforcing that successful innovation is built on real-world insights.

Inspiring Panels and Keynotes

The IAA Transportation 2024 wasn’t just about showcasing products—it was a platform for thought leadership. Mendix delivered an impactful keynote on low-code technologies, demonstrating how businesses can accelerate their growth by simplifying software development. In the BANULA Infrastructure Panel, experts explored decentralized solutions for heavy-duty vehicle charging, while TÜV NORD shared a success story of collaborating with a startup to create a click-dummy prototype. These sessions not only inspired the audience but also provided a glimpse into the next generation of mobility solutions.

A Patron of Innovation Returns

We were honored to welcome Daniela Kluckert, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, back to the prototype.club stand as a patron of innovation. Her presence underscored the vital role that startups play in shaping the future of mobility and highlighted the importance of collaboration between industry, government, and innovators. Kluckert’s support is a testament to the growing recognition of startups as key players in the mobility ecosystem

Looking Forward: A Bright Future for Mobility Innovation

The IAA Transportation 2024 was a real milestone for us at prototype.club and the entire mobility industry. From inspiring startup challenges to exciting panels and exciting networking events – this year’s IAA showed us that innovation is not only alive, but is really picking up speed. The many valuable discussions, new partnerships and the openness of our partners to not only get to know new ideas, but also to use them, were simply impressive.

As the heart and marketplace of the start-up sector, we had the wonderful opportunity to promote creative ideas and develop forward-looking solutions together. The most diverse minds came together here – from visionary founders, scientists and politicians to investors and decision-makers from established companies. This diversity and the exchange of ideas are essential for shaping the mobility of the future.

One thing is clear: if you have good ideas, and there are many, you can seize the opportunity to join the world market leaders and really make a difference.

Impressions

AUTHOR

Laura Kolnsberg