Infiniti partners with Nest to launch "Infiniti Accelerator" supporting startups in HK

Submission of applications start today.

Today, Infiniti announced a partnership with Nest, a Hong Kong-based investment company called the “Infiniti Accelerator”, the program is part of Infiniti’s commitment to encourage innovators to embrace an entrepreneurial spirit and support urban development in its home market - Hong Kong. The first accelerator of this new initiative aims to support start-up companies that develop solutions in the area of smart cities. 

Powered by Nest, the Infiniti Accelerator is a 12-week program run by a full-time, dedicated team. Through the application process, up to eight start-ups will be selected to receive support from Infiniti and Nest. This support includes mentorship by specialists in the areas of smart cities, hardware, manufacturing, transportation, technology and entrepreneurship. They will also have access to resources at Infiniti and Nest. At the end of the 12-week program, the eight start-ups will have the opportunity to pitch for funding and partnerships at an exclusive Investor Demo Day.

Cities are facing increasing traffic congestion and environmental concerns as urbanization continues around the globe. Automotive companies are in a unique position to work with governments, regulators and other stakeholders to innovate and develop technologies to address these issues.

“Infiniti is at the forefront of technologies, such as connectivity, autonomous driving, and new energy vehicles, that provide solutions for the future of urban mobility,” said Infiniti President Roland Krueger. “By working with Nest and innovative start-up companies, we are looking to collaborate further with urban developers on smart city ideas that can improve people’s quality of life in a sustainable way.”

With its global headquarters in Hong Kong, Infiniti has particularly close ties to the city. As one of the most international cities in the world, Hong Kong has a highly developed city infrastructure and high population density and hence is a natural place to pilot smart city ideas. Infiniti is committed to working with the local business community and contributing to the future development of Hong Kong.

Nest CEO, Simon Squibb commented: “Here in Hong Kong and throughout the region, urban communities are developing at an unrivalled pace. As a consequence, we are already experiencing many of the problems associated with this phenomenal pace of growth and want to take a leadership role in solving them. Our partnership with Infiniti is a perfect strategic fit for Hong Kong to develop a future lead in smart city technologies,” said Squibb.

For more information about the Infiniti Accelerator program, please visit www.infiniti-accelerator.com. Applications open today and the deadline for submissions is August 15, 2015.