Open Call: Harnessing Digital Supply Chains for Real-World Impact (UK)

The goal is to enhance efficiency, resilience, and sustainability within the industry. As part of this, the Digital Supply Chain Hub testbeds are pivotal in driving this transformative change.

Accelerating the adoption of digital innovation in supply chains requires multi-party collaboration. Technology innovators must develop digital solutions that address key supply chain challenges while business owners need to invest in robust digital infrastructure to facilitate these solutions within their organisations and across their supply chain partners.

This effort demands a clear demonstration of the solution’s feasibility and value, answering two key questions: “Does it work?” and “How will it benefit my business?”. The core of this open call is to demonstrate real business value using the real-world data environment provided by the national supply chain testbeds.

Why should you get involved?

• Up to £115,000 to develop and deploy your challenge focused digital technology within the timeframe of the project. This funding will allow for solution/product development which your organisation may not have been able to consider due to resource constraints.
• Showcase the practical business benefits of your solution within supply chains and to promote adoption beyond the initial project scope.
• Opportunity to participate in the programme networking events, roundtables and introductions to industry leaders, investors and potential customers.
• The participant will also have the opportunity to join the future Digital Supply Chain Hub, which will offer a platform for connecting interested digital supply chain stakeholders.
• Your project team will assess the current technological, commercial, and strategic requirements. Technology and industry experts will evaluate, refine, and expedite your solution, as well as significantly broaden your network of colleagues, investors, and clients.
• Be part of the showcase event, which is an opportunity to participate, pitch and attend meetings at the showcase events in February 2025 and any relevant digital supply chain events.

Who should apply?

• Technology innovators with a digital solution at TRL 6 or above interested in developing new use cases
• Solution providers looking to collaborate with relevant industry partners to demonstrate real business value of their solutions
• Startups that focus on innovative digital solutions which can be applied to any of the challenge areas outlined by the testbed:
  • Food Supply Chain: Enhancing ESG measurements and metrics
  • Hydrogen Supply Chain: Scaling adoption for off-grid sites
  • Spares Supply Chain: Implementing standardised labelling for spare parts
• They also welcome applications from those who may have innovative solutions that fall slightly outside the defined challenge areas, yet still align with the overarching themes of the testbeds (food, hydrogen, and spare parts).

For more information, visit Digital Catapult.