Zum Recognized by the Fast Company 2026 Innovation by Design Awards

Company honored for AI-powered Connected Mobility Experience™ (CMX) platform modernizing student mobility across the nation

Other companies honored for innovation include Google, Adidas and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Zūm, a leader in student mobility, today announced that it has received an honorable mention in the Fast Company Innovation by Design Awards for 2026 in the Experience Design category.

Zum was honored for its AI-powered Connected Mobility Experience™ (CMX) platform, which connects routing, dispatch, drivers, schools, families, safety, vehicles and operations in real time. Zum CMX is modernizing the student mobility market by helping districts improve reliability, efficiency, transparency and the overall student experience.

"Student mobility is the key to educational access. Providing a safe, reliable ride to school sets up children for a successful day of learning and gives parents peace of mind," said Ritu Narayan, Founder and CEO of Zum. "Zum CMX is purpose-built for student mobility and to transform a fragmented and outdated system into one connected, real-time experience for students, families, drivers and schools. We are thrilled to be recognized by the Fast Company Innovation by Design Awards alongside so many innovative companies dedicated to making a difference."

Now in its 15th year, the Innovation by Design Awards celebrate the designers and businesses addressing today's most urgent challenges while anticipating the problems of tomorrow. The program is one of the most prestigious design competitions in the industry, spotlighting work that exemplifies originality, beauty, sustainability, user insight, cultural significance, and measurable business impact.

Honorees were selected by a panel of top designers, business executives and Fast Company editors.

"The Innovation by Design Awards have always recognized the ideas that challenge convention and show what's possible when design is treated as a strategic force, not an afterthought. Congratulations to this year's honorees, who demonstrate how thoughtful design can solve meaningful problems and create new possibilities for people and businesses," said Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company.

See the list at fastcompany.com/innovation-by-design/list and in the Fall issue of Fast Company magazine.

Today, Zum serves more than 6,500 schools across 19 states nationwide. To learn more about how Zum is leading the nation in redefining student mobility, visit www.ridezum.com.

About Fast Company
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com.

About Zum

Zum is redefining mass mobility with Zum CMX, which connects and coordinates people, vehicles, and operations in real time. In the student mobility market, Zum is addressing a daily source of anxiety and disruption by providing a reliable, transparent, and efficient mobility experience for students and families. Learn more at www.ridezum.com. Today, more than 6,500 schools in 19 states have relied on the Zum CMX system.

Media Contact

Jenny Mayfield
VP, Communications, Zum
[email protected]

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SOURCE Zūm