Start your energy-efficient engines: Europe’s flagship mobility event brings the roadshow to Dublin

This isn’t just any conference. The TRA is the European Union’s flagship research and innovation event for mobility.

It’s held once every two years and is hosted by a different European city each time. It also attracts more than 4,000 attendees coming from international industry, academia and policymaking backgrounds.

TRA acts as a forum where people come together to share insights and ideas for the transport mobility system in Europe, contributing towards the overall success of the European Green Deal – the package of policy initiatives, which aims to set the EU on the path to a green transition.

TRA is inviting startups and other early-stage firms to showcase innovative solutions

TRA is a can’t-miss event for firms or academics interested in mobility. Hosting this high-profile event cements Ireland’s position at the global forefront of mobility research and innovation.

Organised by the Department of Transport, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, TRA will cover road, rail, aviation and maritime innovation while encompassing logistics, electromobility, connected and autonomous vehicles, sustainable fuels, battery technology, and other areas of interest.

The European Commissioners for research, energy and transport will all attend the event, which includes a technology showcase and research conference. Minister for the Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport Eamon Ryan will open it officially.

Enterprise Ireland is a lead sponsor of the conference, which this year has the theme of ‘Transport Transitions: advancing sustainable and inclusive mobility’. Other sponsors include IDA Ireland, Irish Rail and global heavyweights such as Collins Aerospace, BMW and Valeo.

The Government will have a pavilion at the event, as will Future Mobility Campus Ireland, the Shannon-based development centre and test bed for mobility technology.

Along with a call for papers on relevant topics, TRA is also running a call for demonstrations, inviting startups, spin-offs and other early-stage firms who can showcase innovative solutions in line with any of the conference’s key themes.

These are safe and inclusive transport, sustainable mobility of people and goods, efficient and resilient systems, and collaborative digitalisation.

Numerous leading Irish companies in the mobility sector are already slated to speak or showcase technology at the event, including Cubic Telecom and Klas Group.

Ireland is known as a leader in mobility, with companies such as CitySwift, Xerotech, Plasma Bound, Taoglas, Ventac and Zeus all currently making waves in the export markets.

A rich pipeline of research is critical to future innovations in mobility. Overall, an invaluable aspect of TRA will its role as a showcase for Horizon Europe- funded projects. It will include a brokerage event for companies and academics who wish to propose topics for potential Horizon Europe projects.

It’s also worth noting that, in conjunction with TRA, the EU road safety conference and the EU Connected and Automated Driving Conference will happen in Dublin at the same time.

Bob Flynn is Enterprise Ireland’s national contact point for the Horizon Europe programme, covering climate, energy and mobility