Calling all young dreamers, innovators, engineers, designers, planners, techies …WE NEED YOU!
by Jennifer Rodrigo
We need YOU! We need you to join the MOVEMENT to take our roads back! We need you to brainstorm, examine, explore and transform transportation (mobility), as we know it, from outside the box. We need you to create mobility beyond fossil fuels, carbon emissions, traffic congestion, pollution into one that is sustainable, safe and stress-free.But we are not all talk. We are providing an avenue to make this happen. Call it a one-stop centre that provides most, if not all, of the resources to make this happen in the real world.
We are www.podcarcity.org
Join us and be part of our “Students for Future Mobility (SFFM)” program in Europe, America, Asia, Africa. MEMBERSHIP IS FREE! (link)
The Generic Term
“Students for Future Mobility” (SFFM) is a generic term associated with different initiatives focused on empowering students in the field of sustainable mobility. Examples include projects run by organizations like Podcarcity.org that focus on a
multidisciplinary approach covering engineering, urban planning with 4D models, educational programs, community outreach – the objective being to build a future generation of youth in sustainable transportation. In creating mobility solutions,
programs are hands-on and project-based.
The Inspiration
Podcarcity.org’s own SFFM program is inspired by the pioneering SFFM module first introduced at San Jose State University (SJSU) in California in 2007. The initiative sponsored by INIST (Institute of International Sustainable Transportation) and SJSU
(San Jose State University) brought together university students, young engineers, planners, designers and change-makers from around the world to explore innovative, sustainable and equitable solutions for the future of urban transport.
How does it work?
The program provides the opportunity for students to design their own urban mobility future and are given the resources required for doing this. It is facilitated by mentors in engineering, urban planning and designing, advanced software and planning techniques. Participants also get to present to Industry Stakeholders. The first thing a potential participant needs to do is register as a member of Podcarcity.org Then (link) to the SFFM page to find out how to apply. The yearly programs will begin in 2026 and go on until 2030. Funding support is mobilized through international and domestic corporations, academic institutions, agencies and other organizations. There are awards and prizes for the 3 category winners – Phd’s, masters, undergraduates. Judges use their experience, expertise and discretionary criteria in making decisions on the winners. A minimum of one person in the team (usually 2-4) must register as a member.
The bridge between Academia and Industry
The program serves as a bridge between academia and industry, connecting students with mentors, researchers, and professionals working on podcar technology, autonomous transit systems, and renewable energy applications. By doing so,
SFFM nurtures a new generation of thinkers equipped to lead the transition toward cleaner, smarter, and people-centered mobility systems. From Sweden, the Americas to Malaysia, Africa and beyond PCC’s SFFM program is INTERNATIONAL with students gaining mentorship from global researchers, mobility experts, and industry leaders from all over the world.
Now our young generation can have the tools to design realistic, technology-driven mobility models that are environmentally responsible and economically viable. What our young PCC reps have to say Podcarcity Malaysia representative, Rosdayana Rosti has this to say about SFFM:
“With Malaysia having the ASEAN chair, now is the time for our youth to participate in PCC’s SFFM program. It makes the call to all our students and universities in ASEAN – Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar to get together and pilot new ideas for green mobility.”
Podcarcity Uganda representative, Douglas Kamoga agrees:
“The same can be said about Uganda and working with our universities – joining forces in transforming and finding mobility solutions. Collaboration and sharing is how we young people do it. Has always been our motto.”
Podcarcity.org membership is FREE. Join us today! www.podcarcity.org . Now more than any other time is when we need you, to allow us – the “establishment”, so to speak – to help us help you and in so doing, save our world.