Mobility is at the heart of every journey, and it shapes how people arrive, move and explore. With tourism responsible for 75% of travel-related CO₂ emissions and only 5% of mobility innovations currently addressing tourism, Europe faces both a challenge and an opportunity.
To close this gap, EIT Urban Mobility, an initiative of the European Institute for Innovation and Technology, a body of the European Union is teaming up with POINT&. Together with leading partners such as ÖBB Austrian Federal Railways, Austria Tourism, Vienna Business Agency, Austrian Airlines, 1000things, the Austrian Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure and over 30 community partners including the European Startup Prize for Mobility, they are launching a European-wide call for Mobility & Tourism Innovations.
The initiative invites startups and companies to present ready-to-implement solutions that make travel and major events more sustainable, inclusive, and enjoyable – starting with one of the world’s largest live music festivals, the Eurovision Song Contest happening in Vienna 2026.
Turning big events into truly moving experiences
Big events in culture and sports are powerful catalysts for innovation and behavioural change. With 450 million Europeans engaging with cultural and sports events every year, the potential to scale sustainable mobility solutions is enormous.
“When mobility works seamlessly, it transforms how people experience cities, events and destinations,” said Claudia Falkinger Managing Director at POINT&. “Major eventss like the Eurovision Song Contest is a unique opportunity to showcase innovation on a global stage – setting new standards for sustainable travel and inspiring change far beyond Vienna.”
Daniel Serra, Director Impact Ventures at EIT Urban Mobility adds: “When cities host major events, the old ways of moving crowds just don’t cut it anymore. We need fresh thinking. Not because it sounds good, but because cities depend on it. Supporting startups that serve tourists and locals means keeping European cities lively, easy to navigate, and ready for what comes next.”
The initiative aims to position major events as playgrounds for innovation, from music festivals and football championships to large-scale conferences. Via the learnings of these testbeds, these new solutions can later be implemented across Europe.
Six categories to shape the future of travel
Participants can submit solutions in six key categories designed to create accessible, seamless and smart mobility experiences for everyone from kids and families to seniors and fans with diverse needs:
- Travel Experience – hosted by ÖBB Austrian Federal Railways
- Mobility On Site – hosted by Vienna Business Agency
- Hospitality & Accessibility – hosted by 1000things
- Explore Austria – hosted by Austria Tourism
- Extraordinary Travel Moments – hosted by Austrian Airlines
- Safety & Digitalisation
A roadmap to Eurovision and beyond
Selected innovators will gain direct access to industry leaders, city authorities and investors, as well as opportunities for visibility and implementation during the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 and subsequent European events.
Startups and scaleups from across Europe can apply until 30 November 2025 at www.pointand.eu/eurovision
Timeline:
Application period: 16 October – 30 November 2025
Jury evaluation: 3 – 14 December 2025
Stakeholder Pitch Event: 15 January 2026 (Vienna & online)
Better Mobility Playground: 12 – 22 May 2026 (Eurovision & ViennaUP Festival)
White Paper publication: Summer/Autumn 2026
About the initiative
The Mobility & Tourism Innovations initiative is coordinated by POINT&, international mobility experts based in Vienna and managers of the Better Mobility Accelerator – one of Europe’s largest innovation programmes on accessible, affordable, safe and sustainable mobility with 700+ innovations, 100+ mentors and 30+ industry collaborators. Together, they work to make mobility across Europe more accessible, affordable, safe, and green.
