Logistics Industry Opportunity Challenge

About the Logistics Industry Opportunity Challenge

Epicenter and Alchemist Accelerator present the Logistics Industry Opportunity Challenge — a chance for entrepreneurs to create scalable solutions to real-world supply chain problems. And there’s no better place to do it than Memphis, our nation’s logistics hub. Selected startups will get connected to industry leaders in logistics, participate in facilitated conversations with prospective customers, and get the chance to implement their product in a real-world pilot project.

Challenge Area 1:

Optimized Routing

Problem Statement:

How might we optimize shipment routing for cargo owners and logistics companies in a way that factors in the complexities of external inputs such as tariffs, weather, local regulation, theft risk, traffic etc., so that informed routing decisions can be made in near real-time to maximize profit while staying in compliance?

Challenge Area 2:

End-to-End Traceability

Problem Statement:

How can we provide full end-to-end traceability that is immutable and tamper-free for cargo owners and shipping companies, that doesn’t require the adoption of new technologies by all participants in the supply chain, so that we reduce the risk of theft, and maintain the security and transparency of the custodial chain?

Challenge Area 3:

Automation

Problem Statement:

How can we automate repetitive manual processes for our customer-facing operations in a way that requires less human touch so that we improve customer satisfaction, the speed of operations, and cash flow? Representative use cases include (a) using voice AI agents to make regularly scheduled check-in status calls with drivers
How might we introduce more automation for port facilities in a way that aligns with Union goals so that we could show obvious benefits without replacing employees, to facilitate the adoption of new technologies without incurring work stoppages. Possible solution areas include Safety Automation.
How might we create a matchmaking payment system for wage earners (drivers and other product-based workers like warehouse staff) and employers in a way that matches a driver’s or worker's take-home pay expectation with available loads & routes so that workers can plan and sign up for a specific workload to get a desired take-home pay, and employers can deliver a better employee experience increasing retention.

Challenge Area 4:

Data Mining

Problem Statement:

How can we use existing ELD data (whether owned by us or just accessible to us) in a way that provides value without requiring new/additional business units to create a new revenue stream?
How can we get more actionable insights to improve our operations in a way that utilizes proprietary data we already have (e.g. the massive volume of ELD data), by providing access to it to a 3rd party that would analyze it?

Let’s move the logistics industry forward.

Apply Today!