The Turkish city of İzmir and a business that is easing the transition to electric vehicles have been named as winners of an award that recognises successful collaboration between young entrepreneurs and local authorities in the Mediterranean region.
Mr Saritaş' Car4future provides information on the nearest charging station, reservation and online payment services for electric and autonomous vehicles. The app also allows its users to earn income by sharing their vehicles. The company emphasizes finding eco-friendly solutions, seizing green employment opportunities, and improving much-need infrastructure in İzmir. It also has a strong focus on youth, as its 18 employees are younger than 30. Its biggest impact is described to be threefold: supporting local economies, advancing the sustainability agenda, and inspiring climate optimism. The municipality supported Mr Saritaş by offering him a place in an entrepreneurship incubation programme.
The award was presented during ARLEM's annual plenary session by the assembly's co-chairs and by the deputy secretary-general of the Union for the Mediterranean in Alghero, Sardinia.