Fast Forward Challenge MEA 2024 French Polynesia

Fast Forward Challenge Middle East and Africa

Calling all businesses, startups, and innovators in the field of logistics who aspire to create a world where businesses thrive, assets are protected, and environmental impacts are minimized.

Fast Forward Challenge Middle East & Africa 2024 is the 3rd edition of the challenge, facilitated by DHL, providing the opportunity to showcase innovative and sustainability focused technologies and solutions to the world. 

Submit your concept, solution, or idea NOW to win attractive cash prizes, and other rewards that no amount of money could buy, all while shaping more innovative solutions for a better tomorrow. 

All you need to do is send us a video pitch (no more than 5 minutes long) that summarizes your company, the problem you are aiming to solve, and how you intend to solve it. The most promising pitches will be evaluated by a high-profile jury. The selected solutions will then be invited to the final regional event on April 16 2024 in Dubai.

Click below to submit your up to 5 minute video:

Submit Your Idea

Make sure to check out the FAQs to find out more important information, such as the deadline to participate, prizes, and many more. Together, we can effectively tackle today's challenges and collaboratively shape tomorrow's world.  

Strategic Partner: Together Driving Future-Ready Logistics

The Dubai Future Foundation builds a cohesive innovation ecosystem that includes accelerator programs, incubators, labs, regulatory sandboxes, and knowledge platforms – all with the purpose of challenging the status quo and designing a future-ready city powered by future leaders and disruptors. The Dubai Future Foundation's commitment to innovation aligns perfectly with our DHL Innovation vision. Together, we look forward to advancing innovative practices and delivering excellence through true innovation.

FAQs for the Fast Forward Challenge MEA 2024

What is Fast Forward Challenge Fast Forward Challenge MEA 2024?

Answer: The Fast Forward Challenge is a competition facilitated by DPDHL Research & Innovation GmbH, which provides the opportunity for businesses to showcase their innovative technologies and solutions to the world, with a focus on navigating the future of logistics & Supply Chain in the MEA region and beyond.

Who is permitted to attend and participate in the challenge?

Answer: We have an inclusive culture at DHL, so any business (regardless of size) that is working towards creating a solutions that is suitable with this years’ theme is permitted to participate in the event. Employees of the DPDHL Group are unable to pitch solutions in this event.

Are there any specific requirements or criteria that need to be met to participate?

Answer: To be eligible for the Fast Forward Challenge, participants must meet two key criteria. Firstly, they should be at the "Ready for Proof of Concept" stage as a minimum requirement. Additionally, participants should either have their headquarters situated in Dubai or provide evidence of the intent to establish a presence in Dubai. These criteria ensure that participants are well-positioned for the challenge and align with the geographic focus of the event

What is the reward/benefit of participating in and attending the challenge?

Answer:

Proof of Concept with DHL

Dubai Future Foundation to provide 3 months of office space in AREA2071

DET & Dubai Chamber to support set up of your company in Dubai

Feature piece on DHL's Innovation Insights and other DHL channels

PwC to provide 5 hours of consultation TBD

PwC to provide a review, audit and re-design of your deck TBD

Founder of EMICORN to provide 4 hours consultation and introduction/pitching opportunity to 5 VCs TBD

Dubai South to provide XXX TBD

How/where will the challenge take place?

Answer: Round 1 of the challenge will be virtual, you can submit your solutions via this form. If your solution is selected, you will be invited to participate in the Fast Forward Challenge MEA Edition taking place on April 16th at the Museum of the future in Dubai, where each participants will have to pitch their solutions for our customers and subject matter experts to vote on.

Winner of one of event will be chosen by a combination of customer input, operational leaders, subject matter experts, and the “wildcard pick” (as determined by DHL subject matter experts). One of the winners will have the opportunity to be invited to attend the Era of Sustainable Logistics Summit in Singapore July 2024, where they will present live to a panel of judges, and in person to many potential end users.

When will the challenge take place?

Answer: To participate in the Fast Forward Challenge Middle East and Africa 2024, your solution must be submitted by March 15, 2024. Note: please consider submission date based on the geographic areas of interest for your solution to be deployed, not the location you are located.

The Fast Forward Challenge will take place on April 16, 2024, at the Museum of the Future, Dubai.

Why should I be interested in participating in the event?

Answer: This event allows you to showcase your most innovative technologies and solutions, that are helping address or even solve the world’s largest sustainable issues, to people who share the goal of implementing solutions to make their supply chains cleaner and more efficient.

How do I apply to take part in the event?

Answer: To participate in the event you will need to submit your video application via the submission link. This will need to be submitted by the aforementioned deadline laid out in FAQ #6 (March 15th 2024)

What is the process of application?

Answers: The application process is very simple! First, participants must have technologies/solutions that are focused on helping solve/overcome global sustainable issues. Second, participants must then create and submit an up to 5-minute video that includes: A) An introduction to your company B) What the sustainable problem/issue you are solving is; and C) A demonstration of your solution to for the judges to vote on (note: videos will be cut at 5 minutes if they overrun).

After this is submitted, your application will be reviewed, and you will be notified if you are invited to our event to pitch your solution.

What do the pitches need to include? Are there any specific questions or objectives that need to be answered?

Answer

Introduce your company.

What is the Innovation related problem you are solving?

Explain how you are addressing the problem.

If possible, show a demonstration of how the system works, in a video submission that is no longer than 5 minutes.

How many team members are allowed to take part in the event?

Answer: As many team members as you would like can participate in the video submission. If your solution is chosen to be presented at the Fast Forward Challenge MEA 2024, two members from each team will be invited to attend.

Are there any costs to attend/enter the event?

Answer: There are no costs to enter the event. DHL is not responsible for any costs incurred during the production of the submission process. The one solution (winner or wildcard) invited to Singapore will have their round trip airfare and hotel accommodation covered by DHL. If visas are required for travel, applicants will be required to obtain these on their own. DHL can provide letters supporting the purpose of the visit if required.

Where do I submit my proposal?

Answer: To enter the challenge you will need to submit your application via our submission form. This will need to be completed by the above mentioned deadlines (March 15, 2024)

Is there any funding available for start-ups to help them participate in the event?

Answer: There is no funding available to create solutions or pitches in this competition

When will I be informed of the outcome of my proposal?

Answer: All applications will go through a rigorous review process by potential end users and subject matter experts. Should you be selected to participate in the event, you will be notified ASAP following our selection process, and no later than March 22, 2024.

Who should I contact if I face any issues throughout the application process?

Answer: For questions or concerns, you can email meaic@dhl.com with Subject line “*Company name* FFC Support Request”.

If my application makes it to the final, what do I need to prepare?

Answer: If your solution is chosen to be presented at the event, you will be notified ASAP. A member of the DHL Innovation Center and Trend Research Team will be in contact with you, to help you and your organization prepare for the event, and to answer any questions you may have along the way.

If I make it through to the final and am unable to attend in person, can I participate virtually?

Answer: The event is face to face, therefore you will need to attend the final in person. Virtual attendance is prohibited. We recommend having an alternate delegate from your organization participate to not miss out on this opportunity to show your solution to this audience.

When is the deadline for application submission?

Answer: All submissions must be made via the submission form by the above mentioned deadline (March 15 2024).