The Trailblazer Program

Trailblazer is the platform to connect supplier with business aiming for problem-solving-oriented innovation.

OUR PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

Born in 2021, Trailblazer is set up by DHL Procurement as supplier innovation portal of DHL Group. The purpose of the platform is to encourage our suppliers and other partners to participate in the joint work together on future technologies.

Specific business challenges have been continuously posted to look for innovative solutions in the market. In addition, innovation competition is carried out to foster specific technology developments in which suppliers can contribute their ideas and solutions.

100

Idea Sumissions

Challenges Posted

1st DHL Innovation Competition

Mercurius Den Event

Program Experience

When you submit a proposal either in the areas of focus or towards concrete business challenges posted by business units of DHL, you will have the opportunity to better understand the challenges of DHL Group business. If your idea qualifies for high potential after careful review by the dedicated innovation team, you will get the opportunity to present your solution directly to process owners of DHL. Once your idea is leading to concrete commercial discussions for PoC and implementation, you may even be invited to limited places in dedicated innovation sessions hosted by DHL Procurement.

Application Process

Do you have an innovative solution proposal? Fill out the idea submission form and convince us in a short pitch why we should take a closer look at your idea.

STEP 1 - Idea Review

Ideas will be automatically forwarded and carefully reviewed by our dedicated innovation expert group.

STEP 2 - Assessment Gate

High potential ideas will be assessed in detail by experts and selected ones will form part of our regular internal innovation newsletter upon your agreement.

STEP 3 - Development Gate

If your idea fits with our business challenge, we will discuss with you to jointly develop the solution.

STEP 4 - Test Gate

After joint development, testing and PoC can take place in our operations.

Ready To Submit Your Innovative Idea?

Submit an Idea

Business Challenges

We will continuously share new DHL Business Challenges for which we would like to explore groundbreaking solutions with you!

As our Strategy 2030 stated, “Accelerate sustainable growth“ DHL Group will focus even more consistently on long-term profitable growth in its core logistics businesses.

To achieve this goal we need to join forces with strong, innovative partners which help us to tackle our business challenges and be an active part our innovation journey.

Therefore we will post exciting business challenges from our Corporate Divisions for which we would like to find suitable solutions. For more information, please check our Business Challenges page for updates and to submit your ideas

This is your chance, we look forward to your ideas!

Frequently Asked Program Questions

Do you have questions about the supplier innovation program? Have a look whether you can find an answer in our FAQ section.

Your innovations and related comments will be only visible to you and DHL employees and not to other suppliers or external parties.

Please remember that only non-confidential information shall be exchanged on the portal. If your idea is confidential, you shall only submit a teaser that does not reveal the inventive principle. We will then follow up once proper confidentiality arrangements have been agreed.

You will receive a notification that your idea has been submitted and is under review. Once approved, it will be visible to DHL experts and the process will start. You will be notified by email once the idea/solution is taken for further consideration or assessment.

In case your idea does not fit with our strategy and portfolio we will do our best to answer you as fast as possible to let you pursue other ways to develop your innovation.