Detroit’s Sustainable Cities Challenge finalists focus on cutting carbon emissions; initiatives include e-bikes and electric vehicle charging solutions.

Participants are awarded $130,000 for their projects; the winner next year will receive $2 million to promote sustainable transportation in Detroit.

Visiting Eastern Market is a long-standing tradition; whether it’s Flower Day or a Lions game, that area of downtown is lively.

However, what often goes unnoticed is the cleanup afterward.

Detroit-based company Orange Sparkle Ball plans to use its autonomous robot to improve efficiency in cleaning widespread trash.

“By collecting food waste, we’re keeping it out of landfills. We’re addressing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Meghan Kennedy from Orange Sparkle Ball.

Orange Sparkle Ball is a participant in the Toyota Mobility Foundation’s ‘Sustainable Cities Challenge.’

On Friday at Eastern Market, Detroit revealed its four finalists. Alongside Orange Sparkle Ball are Neology, Electric Fish, and Civilized Cycles, which has developed a semi-trike.

This e-bike can carry up to 800 pounds within a five-to-seven-mile range.

Mayor Mike Duggan says the competition’s main goal is lowering carbon emissions in Detroit’s busy districts.

“We want to create the economy of future mobility and Detroit’s future,” said Mayor Duggan. “I never imagined idling trucks would be Eastern Market’s biggest problem. That’s why decision-makers are involved.”

The other two finalists, Neology and Electric Fish, focus on electric vehicle charging solutions.

Each team receives $130,000 to support their efforts. The winner next year will be awarded two million dollars.