The entrepreneurial talent of the students from the Double Degree in Physics and Mathematics of the Universitat de València has been internationally recognised after achieving the second prize in the prestigious programme of Ford Smart Mobility Accelerator, driven by Ford Philanthropy.

The award belongs to an initiative that gathers students of different European universities to develop innovative solutions in the smart and sustainable mobility field. This programme wants to foster entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer by rewarding projects with a social and technological impact.

The team composed of Julia Gregori Sabater and Rafael Pérez Monzó –4 year students of the Double Degree in Physics and Mathematics– stood among the participants thanks to their innovative proposal that addresses current challenges in mobility, sustainability, and urban efficiency, through the development of an algorithm to facilitate parking in cities (aparCAR). The scientific quality of the project, along with its practical applicability, were key for the jury to give them this recognition. This project has been promoted from the pre-incubator IdeaLab of the Faculty of Physics, a space meant to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and the development of ideas with a technological and social potential among students.

The contest gathers teams previously selected in local competitions hosted in their respective universities. Subsequently, they present their proposals in an international phase in front of professionals from the sector.

From the Faculty of Physics and from the Faculty of Mathematical Sciences this milestone has been positively valued, which exposes the capacity of students to apply scientific knowledge to real problems and to develop solutions with a market transfer potential. 

In addition, this recognition reinforces the role of the Universitat de València inside the European university entrepreneurship ecosystem, consolidating initiatives like UVemprén, which drives the development of entrepreneurial skills among students.

With this second prize, the team does not only obtain a scholarship to continue the project’s development, but also access to specialised information and international network that facilitate its growth and possible implementation.