“Logistics Vs Innovation” Open Innovation Challenge

General Objectives

• The logistics sector today represents one of the fundamental pillars of the global economy. From supply chain management to last-mile distribution, logistics is the engine that connects producers, distributors and consumers, ensuring the efficiency of goods flows around the world. However, the contemporary logistics landscape is facing new challenges: the growing demand for environmental sustainability, attention to worker health, ever-higher customer expectations in terms of speed and accuracy of deliveries.
• In this context, innovation is not only an opportunity, but a necessity.

Areas of the Challenge

• Würth, researches innovative solutions in the following macro-areas of application:
  • Data, digitalization, emerging technologies in logistics processes
    • Solutions to optimize operational processes related to logistics, both external and internal, through, for example, digitalization, data and information valorization, automation, the Internet of Things, the use of artificial intelligence.
  • Packaging and Sustainability
    • Zero impact packaging solutions through, for example, the use of new materials, highly sustainable materials for each part of the packaging, the optimization of the packaging composition and the significant reduction of waste, the proposal of innovative designs.
  • Quality of deliveries
    • Solutions to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of deliveries, the integrity of shipped products, customization, real-time monitoring and service optimization.
  • User Experience
    • Solutions to maximize and evaluate the B2B customer experience throughout the entire life cycle of the logistics service, enhancing principles and requirements such as full transparency, effective communication, omnichannel, speed, data and goods security, etc.

Funding Information

• Lazio Innova will award:
  • to the 1st ranked candidate:
    • A cash prize of the value of 20,000.00 euros;
    • Prizes in the form of in-kind support services of the value of 6,000.00 euros (under de minimis regulations)
  • to the 2nd and 3rd ranked candidate:
    • Prize in the form of in-kind support services of the value of 6,000.00 euros (under de minimis regulations).

What they Offer?

• Co-design programme, of at least 4 meetings aimed at accelerating the Innovative Solutions.
• A cash prize and in-kind support services.

Eligibility Criteria

• Proposals for innovative ideas with a minimum of TRL 7 can be submitted by:
  • Startups and Innovative Startups, SMEs and innovative Enterprises, University spin-offs.
• Participation is limited to applicants based in Europe.

For more information, visit Lazio Innova.