The first edition of the Challenge: Empowering Zero-Emission Logistics 2023 has been presented with great enthusiasm at the ICT & Logistiek trade fair in Utrecht. Keep reading to find out what the Challenge is about, what the results were and who the winners are. On to the next edition!
The Netherlands is making a transition to a new energy system. This will have great consequences for business, as well as for society, city life and transportation networks. The logistics systems in cities will also undergo immense changes. Technology that is needed for this transition is already largely present, but effective cooperation and smart application are still a challenge. There is a shortage of people, space, investment and network capacity. Therefore, zero-emissions logistics does not only need technological innovation, but also social innovation – in the ports, cities, transport corridors and supply-chains.
Challenge submissions and the event
The Challenge ‘Empowering Zero Emission Logistics’ – part of the Human Capital Agenda of the Logistics Topsector - appealed to upcoming logistics talent to come with fresh ideas and solutions. Between September and November 2023, several teams of students from various universities of applied science and universities worked together with companies and public institutions on analyses and solutions. This resulted in 30 concrete submissions.
On the 8th of November, the 20 best submissions could be seen during the ICT & Logistiek trade fair in Jaarbeurs Utrecht, in the Logistics Topsector ‘Zero Emission Logistics Challenge’ stand. Here teams presented their projects to over 8,000 visitors. Below you can view photos from the event.
Photo's challenge 2023
The winners
Four finalists presented their findings on stage. They were Bidfood delivery via Tram 2 (Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences), Zero-emissions installation of fiber optics VolkerWessels (AUAS), Sustainability strategy Improvement CTV Logistics (Fontys) and The floating hub as congestion solution in the Binckhorst (Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences). A jury with representatives from the business sector, science sector, TKI Dinalog, Logistics Topsector and Jong Logistiek Nederland chose the winning team: Bidfood delivery via Tram 2 (Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences). They went home with the prize of a sailing weekend with Zeilschip Eendracht. They, as well as the other finalists, also received a workshop on ‘purposeful personal development’.
The 2023 Challenge was organized in collaboration with eight courses at five educational institutes. Four additional schools participated during the process to possibly be able to take part in the next edition. Dozens of companies and public organizations worked alongside the student teams.
The 2024 Challenge Edition
After the wonderful results from the first edition, we are already busy thinking with the Topsector about a next edition in 2024. Would you like to participate, as a student, professor, company, or public institution? Or do you have any suggestions? Please get in touch with us via challenge.upt@ese.eur.nl
Do you want more information about how the Challenge works and which sprints, methods and products played a role? Download the Cookbook in English or Dutch linked below.