FIA and Formula E collaborate on first ever Sustainable Innovation Series event

07.03.24

The FIA and Formula E are set to co-host the first ever Sustainable Innovation Series event in Tokyo on 28th March ahead of the all-electric series’ inaugural race in the Japanese capital on 30th March.

Titled ‘Transport’s Net-Zero Transition’, the inaugural forum will be co-hosted by the two motorsport organisations during Formula E’s Tokyo race week, and will welcome motorsport, sustainability, policy and business experts for discussions around low carbon transport, track-to-road innovation, smart cities, and sustainable technology development.

The event will be held at the University of Tokyo, with the support of the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).

Natalie Robyn, CEO of the FIA, said: “Sustainability is a key priority for the FIA. Our role is transversal as being involved in both motorsport and mobility industry as an independent organisation. We want to leverage that unique position with relevant stakeholders to develop and accelerate the deployment of low-carbon technologies through our championships into the automotive industry. This event will enable us to highlight cross-sectoral collaboration and push these kinds of innovations further.”

The packed agenda will feature keynotes on data analysis in dataspace initiatives and consumer reporting from Tokyo University Professor and Sub-Program Director for the Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) at the Japan Cabinet Office Noboru Koshizuka and Ken Uchiyama (Japan Country Manager, Mastercard). The audience will also hear from panels on the adoption of zero-emission transport technologies, smart mobility trends in Japan and the power of racing to bring positive change. Formula E teams and partners will join the conference line up to explain how the Championship’s platforms is advancing sustainable mobility solutions. Finally, the program will also feature selected OEMs and start up representatives, committed to transforming future urban mobility in Japan.

The Sustainable Innovation Series event will also be supported by a full roster of complementary events on 29th March. Bloomberg New Energy Finance and Formula E’s special edition roundtable will focus on the global energy transition and clean road transport roadmap, while FIA & Formula E’s Track Activation Programme will allow delegates exclusive access to the paddock, meetings with teams, and opportunities to learn more about a high-powered racing environment.

Jeff Dodds, CEO at Formula E, said: “Sustainability, social progress and innovative transport solutions triangulate beautifully around Formula E and our founding mission. Through delivering action packed street racing, our goal is to support the global target of advancing clean mobility while also empowering communities and governments committed to fostering meaningful action around their pathway to net zero. This unique collaboration with FIA and JAF is a perfect illustration of how joint effort can lead to real improvements in social engagement and business leadership.”

Masayoshi Sakaguchi, President of the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), said: “We are pleased to support the FIA and Formula E in hosting the first Sustainable Innovation Series event. Tokyo is the perfect city for this event – as a leader in sustainable technology, innovation, and adoption, the city and its businesses can bring a unique perspective to the global sustainability conversation.”

Today’s announcement forms a key part of the FIA’s wider sustainability agenda. Over the past year, the Federation has made significant progress against its sustainability efforts, leveraging its unique position as the Governing Body for world motorsport and the Federation of the world’s leading mobility organisations to encourage sustainable transitions across its Championships and Member Clubs.

The event will be broadcast live here. Media are invited to submit requests to attend.