Their project, Kinetix, is a platform that brings together various modes of transportation in a single digital environment, offering real-time alternatives based on travel time, cost, or sustainability.
An idea born from everyday experience
Kinetix was created specifically to tackle this challenge. It emerged from a brainstorming session based on real-life experiences as bus riders and observers of daily traffic congestion.
“The idea came from observing everyday situations: cars with just one person inside, coworkers who take the same route but don’t carpool, traffic congestion downtown, and the fragmentation of available information. We wanted to bring it all together into a single platform that would be useful for any user,” explains Victoria.
Its purpose is to provide up-to-date information so that everyone can choose the best way to get around based on their priorities. “It doesn’t dictate a specific mode of transportation; it provides the information needed to make real-time decisions,” explains Victoria.
Methodological work and surveys
To validate the proposal, they conducted surveys inspired by tools they had seen in Design Thinking courses. They asked about potential adoption of the app, interest in occupancy data, willingness to pay, and preference for receiving real-time information. The responses allowed them to assess the project’s feasibility.
Finalists and three key workshops
After applying via the SONDA form, the proposal was selected as one of the four finalists. This allowed them to participate in three workshops led by experts:
- Overview of Mobility in the Metropolitan Area
- Feasibility and implementation of the idea
- Pitch Workshop
“The workshops were amazing; they helped us bring the idea down to earth,” Stefano notes.
The impact of winning
The news came as a pleasant surprise. “We put in a lot of effort, and it paid off. We competed with solid, innovative proposals. Being chosen as one of those four finalists made the achievement even more meaningful,” says Victoria.
An award with international recognition
The team will travel to Silicon Valley, the world’s leading hub for technological innovation. “It’s a tremendous prize. We want to make the most of it—explore, learn, and soak up the experience,” says Victoria.
Preparation during college
Both agree that their Systems Engineering degree prepared them to tackle the challenge.“We’re already well into our studies, and that has given us the necessary technical and methodological expertise,”says Victoria. They emphasize the importance of engaging with real-world industry challenges, connecting with companies, working with real data, and addressing current issues.