Deadline: September 23, 2025
The International Supply Chain Accelerator, part of the Made Smarter Innovation | Digital Supply Chain Hub programme, is inviting UK technology innovators and startups to address operational inefficiencies in international trade processes with funding support of up to £100,000.
The focus of this challenge includes: Automation of data extraction and communication with the ICC and the International Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation (iC4DTI), enabling seamless data flows between businesses, government, ports, banks, and international partners. Key issues include paper overload and manual processes, fragmented systems and poor data flow, system integration and interoperability, and scalability. The expected outcomes involve automated data extraction and validation, structured trade data capture with minimal manual input, dashboards for tracking documentation, secure multi-stakeholder data flows, assurance of safe and secure data contribution, and a route to large-scale implementation for an entirely digital trade experience. Proposed solutions are expected to leverage technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Distributed Ledger Technology, Advanced Identity and Verifiable Credentialing Solutions, Digital Product Passports, and Privacy Enhancing Technologies.
Applicants are required to demonstrate proven technical capabilities to build, adapt, and deploy integrated digital solutions for trade at Technology Readiness Level 5–7. Selected participants will work directly with the ICC and iC4DTI, gaining access to data packets, digital trade standards, and testing facilities like the Teesside Digital Testbed. Successful applicants will also benefit from industry partnerships, validation and visibility, networking opportunities, peer-to-peer learning, and the chance to showcase their solutions in 2026.
For more information, visit Digital Catapult.
