[London, 10 October 2024] – Mosa, the London-based IoT startup known for its innovative and affordable docked bicycle sharing solution, proudly announces the successful completion of its trial in partnership with the Wellcome Genome Campus. Supported by a grant from the Department for Transport’s Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG23), the initiative has demonstrated the potential to bring green transportation options to underserved communities—including campuses, business parks, hotels, and smaller towns—while proving the operational and financial feasibility of Mosa’s cutting-edge technology.

The trial, which connected the Wellcome Genome Campus to Whittlesford Parkway train station—a two-mile distance—effectively bridged a critical public transport gap. By providing an affordable and efficient point-to-point cycling scheme, the project showed that communities of all sizes can implement sustainable and accessible transport sharing options.

A Milestone Achievement for Mosa
The successful completion of this trial marks a significant milestone for Mosa. The company’s patented retrofittable smart dock technology, which reduces docking costs by 70%, was validated in a real-world environment. This success paves the way for broader adoption of Mosa’s solution, enabling other communities, business parks, campuses, hotels, and smaller towns and cities to benefit from affordable and organised bicycle sharing schemes.

“This successful trial is a testament to the viability of our solution,” said Josh Liu, Founder of Mosa.
“We’ve identified that 81% of our targeted communities are located outside of central urban areas and are most in need of last-mile transportation links. These communities often lack the resources to invest in expensive docked bicycle sharing systems, like London’s Santander Bikes, and are overlooked by private operators due to lower profitability prospects. Our technology has proven to be not only operationally effective but also financially sustainable for these underserved areas. This milestone brings us closer to our vision of making green transportation accessible to all.”

Wellcome Genome Campus Plans Permanent Implementation
With a clear goal to achieve net-zero by 2030, the Wellcome Genome Campus has consistently prioritised providing green transport options for its staff and visitors, while championing innovation. The campus has been a strong supporter of this trial and is pleased with its positive outcomes and the feedback received from staff. As a result, Wellcome Genome Campus is now in discussions with Mosa to establish the bicycle sharing scheme on a permanent basis. This move underscores the campus’s commitment to ESG principles and sets a precedent for other institutions to follow.

“The trial has improved connectivity for our staff and visitors and reaffirms our commitment to supporting active travel, which is often a challenge given our rural location” commented Hester Sharpe, Environmental & Sustainability Manager at Wellcome Genome Campus. “As a hub of innovation, we are excited to support innovators and continue our partnership with Mosa to contribute to our array of sustainable transport solutions on Campus.”

Community Collaboration and Support for a Greener Future
The trial’s success is a result of strong community collaboration and support from stakeholders who are committed to promoting green initiatives. Cambridgeshire County Council played a crucial role in facilitating the project, recognising its potential to address regional transport challenges.

Sharon Forbes, Sustainable Travel Planning Manager for Smart Journeys, Cambridgeshire County Council, remarked, “Encouraging active travel is a top priority for us, and we understand the challenges promoting these options in areas outside city centres. We were eager to partner with innovators like Mosa to address this challenge and find sustainable and accessible solutions together.”

Local businesses also rallied behind the initiative. When engineering works at Whittlesford Parkway’s car park created logistical issues, the Holiday Inn Express Cambridge-Duxford stepped in to host the docking stations, demonstrating the community’s enthusiasm for innovative and sustainable solutions.

“We frequently accommodate guests visiting the Wellcome Genome Campus, so supporting this trial was a natural fit for us,” commented Jacqueline Turpin, General Manager at Holiday Inn Express Cambridge-Duxford. “It aligns with our commitment to sustainability and deepens our engagement with the local community.”

Addressing the Challenges of Bicycle Sharing
Traditional dockless bicycle sharing schemes, while convenient, often lead to urban clutter and operational complexities. Existing docked systems like Santander Bikes in London are effective but come with high infrastructure costs. Mosa’s innovative approach offers the best of both worlds: an organised, docked system at a fraction of the cost, thanks to its smart dock technology.

Looking Ahead
With the trial’s success confirming both operational and financial feasibility, Mosa is poised to expand its affordable bicycle sharing schemes to more communities. This success represents a significant step toward promoting sustainable transport and reducing carbon emissions on a broader scale. The Wellcome Genome Campus trial serves as a vital case study, showcasing how forward-thinking institutions can partner with early-stage startups to tackle the issue of limited green transport options—setting an example for other sustainability leaders.