UK Digital Catapult’s inaugural international accelerator takes on cross-border trade
Digital Catapult, part of the Catapult Network of world-leading technology and innovation centres established by Innovate UK, has announced its first International Supply Chain Accelerator, set to transform global supply chains through the application of deep tech solutions.
The Digital Supply Chain Hub, developed by Digital Catapult and funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), has helped over 40 startups and SMEs to secure more than £3 million in funding so far. The International Supply Chain Accelerator, announced on 4th September, will maintain this momentum, enabling participating technology pioneers to scale faster, and strengthening supply chains across key economic sectors including defence, manufacturing and consumer goods.
Digital Catapult is facilitating collaboration between industry partners and technology innovators to address international supply chain challenges including achieving seamless cross-border trade through the first initiative, the Seamless Trade Across Borders project.
The number of countries pledging to achieve net zero emissions now influences approximately 70% of global CO2 emissions. In collaboration with the Partnership for Carbon Transparency (PACT), the second initiative, the Product Carbon Footprint Measurement project, aims to accelerate the adoption of global carbon footprint measurement standards. The work will help to drive advancements in how carbon footprint data is measured and exchanged internationally and showcase the commercial value of carbon accounting solutions to businesses around the world as they adapt to an ever-growing landscape of new legislation and regulatory hurdles.
The accelerator programme launches as the international supply chain sector faces significant challenges. Digital Catapult will work closely with participants to deploy and develop their solutions, accelerating the practical application of deep technology solutions within global supply chains, and enabling deep tech companies to scale faster.
Tim Lawrence, Director of the Digital Supply Chain Hub at Digital Catapult, said:
“In the last decade, the volume of cross-border trade has increased by around 25%, demonstrating the economic value of imports and exports, and the need to streamline international trade processes.
Through the application of deep tech solutions, participating companies will be empowered to solve some of the most pressing global supply chain challenges, and advance industrial sustainability around the world. This new chapter builds on the success of the Digital Supply Chain Hub so far, and I have no doubt that each company will shape future supply chains for the better.”
Find out more here.
