Wincanton’s commitment to driving innovation has continued apace as the biggest British logistics firm confirms that seven start-ups have been selected to participate in the W² Labs programme, having showcased their proposals to an expert audience at a recent pitch day in London.
The seven start-ups will work with the company over the summer to prove their concepts with the opportunity to seal a commercial agreement and even receive financial investment in their business. A showcase event will be held in September to demonstrate the best ideas in action.
The final seven are:
Synaptiv, a connected car platform which takes data from the array of sensors embedded on both commercial and passenger vehicles and delivers real time services derived from big data analytics
Cinchapi, which offers an intelligent data platform that uses sophisticated machine learning to automate data discovery across databases and devices
Routeique, combines a powerful cloud-based software platform with mobile applications for vehicle tracking, asset tracking, signature capture and remote invoice printing
ZigZag, which helps ecommerce retailers manage international returns linking retailers, warehouses and couriers
Storekat, which aggregates self-storage and warehouse options to enable consumers to easily find, compare and reserve their self-storage options
Quicargo, an online marketplace that allows shippers and carriers to benefit from unutilized loading spaces
Street Stream, a web and app-based courier network offering same-day and premium delivery
Marcos Hart, Wincanton’s Business Optimisation and Transformation Director, said: “W² Labs is a programme for start-ups to pitch their ideas and potentially see them used in our business. It’s just one of our initiatives to embrace innovation and to keep Wincanton at the forefront of the logistics industry.”
“We believe working with start-ups via the W² Labs programme will allow us to drive the future of the UK logistics industry by tapping into their passion, desire to succeed and creativity.”
W² Labs is run in conjunction with L Marks, innovation specialists and investors, who aim to connect corporates seeking to innovate and young companies with disruptive tech. They have worked with some of the UK’s best known brands including John Lewis, EDF Energy and IAG.
Marcos Hart added: “We are exploring how technology can help us to generate value for us and our customers, be smarter in our operations, and provide the best possible support to our employees.
“We hope that the seven companies that have made it this far in the W² Labs process can play a significant part in helping Wincanton achieve those goals.”
These companies were chosen from over 90 start-ups across Europe, Asia and North America who submitted their proposals to Wincanton in April.
Wincanton launched W² Labs earlier this year to explore opportunities in the digitisation of the supply chain. It is hoped that such initiatives could ultimately lead to improvements such as shortened supply chains, robotics and the creation of new roles within the industry.
