Five innovative startups made it to the final round of DHL’s Fast Forward Challenge MEA
Zelostech won DHL’s Fast Forward Challenge startup program in the Middle East & Africa. The five shortlisted startups of this year’s Fast Forward Challenge presented groundbreaking applications based on AI and automation that have the potential to redefine logistics and workforce efficiency while driving more sustainable supply chains in the MEA region.
The innovative solutions ranged from strategic people analytics platforms to a collaborative mobility approach bridging the gap between manual labor and automation to fully automated robots and vehicles for intralogistics, mid- and last-mile deliveries.
“We have 3,000 vehicles on the road and have accumulated nine million kilometers of Level 4-autonomous driving and are eager to enter the UAE and wider GCC market,” stressed Jason Wang, UAE-Country Manager, Zelostech.
Fast Forward Challenge
The Fast Forward Challenge, now in its fourth edition, is a startup program organized by the DHL Middle East & Africa Innovation Center together with strategic partners. It supports startups that offer innovative solutions to meet the future needs of logistics and supply chains.
“With our Fast Forward Challenge, we offer a platform for startups to showcase their groundbreaking solutions, receive ongoing mentorship, and forge valuable connections with venture capitalists. It is truly an ecosystem of opportunities,” observed Irina Albanese, Head of Innovation, Middle East & Africa, DHL
will benefit from extensive support provided by industry experts and consultants, including mentorship, trade license support, extensive media coverage, and membership to the Ignyte platform to foster their business growth and development. Additionally, Zelostech will receive a ‘Proof of Concept’ opportunity with DHL or Dubai South for a suitable solution fit.
Fruitful collaborations
“We were also delighted to have DHL as one of Investopia’s contributing partners this year, and I am confident that this marks the beginning of a series of fruitful collaborations in the UAE and beyond,” expressed David Tabet, Chief Operating Officer, Investopia.
“At Dubai South, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that drive the advancement of logistics, further cementing the emirate’s position as a global logistics hub,” stated Mohsen Ahmad, CEO, Logistics District, Dubai South.
Innovative solutions
“Innovative solutions are part of PwC Middle East’s strategy, and through this partnership, we have consistently seen real and tangible impact on the logistics landscape. We look forward to continued progress in shaping the industry’s transformation in the Middle East,” said Dominik Baumeister, Partner, Global Transport & Logistics Lead, PwC Middle East.
“Big congratulations to Zelostech on winning DHL’s Fast Forward Challenge. Every candidate presented a solution that shows their drive to innovate, and AHOY is proud of each one of you,” noted Jamil Shinawi, Co-founder and CEO, AHOY.
