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 potential of cargo bikes to replace traditional modes of transport (i.e. cars) in the context of individual as well as commercial mobility. Especially four+ -wheeled cargo bikes with additional storage volume and weather protection for rider and passenger are of interest. However, national regulations in the sector are ever changing and inextricably linked to decisions on EU level.
duties and responsibilities
You will join the research team and support them with:
- creating a short overview of how regulations have changed in the past decades to identify possible trends
- stocktaking of current regulations around (e-)(cargo) bikes that are relevant to the project
- providing a legal analysis of possible future changes and key regulations to watch and keep an eye on
- creating an overview of national road traffic regulations and their impact on cargo bikes in selected EU countries
skills and qualifications
- a passion for urban mobility and/or cycling
- excellent online research skills
- basic understanding of legal jargon and processes
- 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
- opportunity to build and consolidate knowledge of the legal workings of the EU
- a small, supportive and friendly international team with flat hierarchies and humour
- the opportunity to work closely with founders and entrepreneurs
- learn more about the startup ecosystem
- 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.