Department of Germanic Languages & Literatures University of Toronto
about us
MotionLab began with the simple idea to build a bicycle. What emerged was Europe’s first prototyping space for hardware in mobility. Today, MotionLab is a Hardtech Innovation Hub & Makerspace and home to over 60 startups and more than 400 community members. The vision is to make technical innovation accessible to everyone by creating inspiring environments and providing tailored tools to transport tech from idea to market. The technical infrastructure includes a comprehensive machine park with everything from 3D printing and laser-cutting equipment, to wood, metal, and textile workshops.
the project
MotionLab has ambitious plans to support and drive innovation in sustainable urban mobility. With rapidly increasing technological development and demand for bicycles of all shapes and forms, Germany and the EU have pinned their hopes on the industry to offer not only alternative modes of transport, but a source of employment, innovation, and growth. A MotionLab research team is investigating the challenges and opportunities of part sourcing and producing bicycles, to identify collaboration and innovation potentials. Via expert interviews and an online surveys, the team is collecting qualitative data for a Whitepaper, that will be published in conjunction with an industry-specific event.
duties and responsibilities
You will join the research team during the last sprints of interviews with experts from the bicycle, moped, and motorbike industry and support the team with:
- outreach to companies and industry experts for interviews
- analyzing qualitative interview and survey data to find trends, common challenges, and best practice examples
- background online research to back-up findings
- draft a first version of the Whitepaper
- plan an industry-specific (online) event to promote the Whitepaper and connect actors of the bicycle industry
- identifying needs and business models in the data to develop next steps for MotionLab to develop projects that foster sustainable urban mobility
skills and qualifications
- a passion for urban mobility and/or cycling
- excellent written and verbal communication skills
- a first understanding of (qualitative) data collection and analysis
- first experience with or willingness to learn about organizing larger (online) events
- ability to work independently and the drive to bring in your own ideas
- very good to near-native communication skills in German
- excitement and interest about entrepreneurship and innovation
what we have to offer
- deep insights into urban mobility in an international context
- a small, supportive and friendly international team with flat hierarchies
- the opportunity to work closely with founders and entrepreneurs
- learn more about the startup ecosystem and how to build a company
- your name on a published Whitepaper
- lots of Zoom Meetings
- contribute to urban and environmental sustainability
duration of the placement
- circa 3 months
- starts in early May
Interns will receive a stipend!
If you are interested in this internship experience with futurGenerator Toronto – Berlin and have at least GER300 proficiency, send us a brief statement of interest and a copy of your university transcript (an unofficial copy is fine). Send your statement as an attachment (please name your files “2021 iPRAKTIKUM ML – your last name, first name – statement/transcript) and include information about your level of German proficiency. Please use the subject line “2021 iPRAKTIKUM ML application”.
We are accepting statements of interest until: 26 April 2021
If you have any accommodation needs, please email ipraktikum@utoronto.ca and we will do our best to assist you.