The Mediterranean region is known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and innovative entrepreneurs. Recently, the Turkish city of İzmir and a groundbreaking business called Car4Future have been recognized for their successful collaboration in promoting sustainable transportation. Oğuzhan Saritaş, the 28-year-old founder of Car4Future, and İzmir Metropolitan Municipality were honored with the prestigious ARLEM Award: Young local entrepreneurship in the Mediterranean for their efforts in fostering business-friendly policies and promoting electric vehicles.
Car4Future is an innovative application that allows owners of electric vehicles to easily locate charging stations and even earn money by sharing their own charging station. The company, which was founded in 2020 by Oğuzhan Saritaş at the age of 25, has quickly gained traction and now employs 18 young individuals under the age of 30. This success can be attributed to the business-incubation program created by the City of İzmir’s entrepreneurship center, which has provided crucial support and resources for young entrepreneurs like Saritaş.
The runner-up for the ARLEM Award was the City of Marrakech and Cantal Bakker, a Dutch national who established a bike-sharing company called Pikala. In addition to renting out bicycles, Pikala is actively involved in promoting road safety, organizing cycling events, and offering repair services. With the support of the municipality, Pikala has grown to employ 50 individuals and has made significant strides in promoting cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation in Marrakech.
The ARLEM Award, which was created in 2019, aims to recognize the achievements of entrepreneurs under the age of 35 and the efforts of local authorities in fostering entrepreneurship. The award was presented by the co-chairs of the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly and the deputy secretary-general of the Union for the Mediterranean in Alghero, Sardinia. This initiative, developed by ARLEM in cooperation with the Union for the Mediterranean and other partners, highlights the importance of collaboration between young entrepreneurs and local authorities in driving innovation and sustainability in the Mediterranean region.
During the ARLEM’s annual plenary session, Patrick Molinoz and Ahmad Al Khazali congratulated the winners, emphasizing the role of initiatives like Car4Future and Pikala in promoting sustainable transportation. Erdal Sabri Ergen, Deputy Secretary-General of the Union for the Mediterranean, reiterated the organization’s support for the ARLEM Award and its commitment to showcasing successful examples of young local entrepreneurship in the region.
Overall, the success of Car4Future and Pikala demonstrates the potential for young entrepreneurs and local authorities to work together in creating a more sustainable future. By supporting initiatives that promote sustainable transportation, cities like İzmir and Marrakech are leading the way in driving positive change and inspiring others to follow suit. The ARLEM Award serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in shaping a more sustainable and prosperous Mediterranean region.