Digital Catapult Supply Chain Accelerator revolutionising Trade and Sustainability
Digital Catapult has launched its first-ever International Supply Chain Accelerator, aiming to disrupt and revitalise global supply chains with two pioneering initiatives: Seamless Trade Across Borders and Product Carbon Footprint Measurement.
These programmes are set to address pressing challenges in international trade and sustainability, bringing fresh, deep tech-driven solutions to the forefront.
A New Era for Global Supply Chains
The International Supply Chain Accelerator builds on the successes of Digital Catapult’s Digital Supply Chain Hub, which has already helped over 40 start-ups and SMEs secure more than £3 million in funding. With backing from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the accelerator is poised to drive further investment, facilitating rapid scaling for technology innovators and fortifying supply chains in sectors ranging from defence and manufacturing to consumer goods.
Designed to foster innovation and collaboration, this programme is more than just a funding opportunity; it’s a launchpad for tech pioneers to tackle some of the most complex challenges in global trade and industrial sustainability.
Transforming Cross-Border Trade
Seamless Trade Across Borders, the first of the two initiatives, focuses on enhancing cross-border trade processes. Supported by industry heavyweights like Leonardo UK, BAE Systems, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and BT Group, the project aligns with the UK Government’s Electronic Trade Documents Act. This Act is projected to unlock a staggering £25 billion in economic growth, with over 60% of international trade transactions anticipated to go digital in the next five years.
Sumit Sinha, Founder & CTO of Kavida AI, expressed his excitement about joining the programme, stating: “At Kavida, we build AI agents that deliver end-to-end supply chain visibility and automate post-order processes. After successfully partnering with Digital Catapult and UK manufacturing SMEs to achieve national-scale visibility, we are excited to join the Seamless Trade Across Borders programme. This opportunity aligns with our vision of developing AI agents that empower businesses to conduct seamless cross-border trade at scale by providing trade data standardisation capabilities, enhanced global supply chain visibility, and robust automation capabilities.”
Technology Innovators Leading the Charge
The initiative features several trailblazing tech companies, each receiving up to £85,000 to develop their solutions:
- eTEU: Aims to revolutionise the shipping industry with advanced digital technologies, creating a more efficient and cost-effective global trade landscape.
- LinearWorks: Utilises artificial intelligence to drive innovation, helping businesses transform and adapt to the future’s demands with sustainable growth strategies.
- Parkway Logic (Exabler): Offers a global trade services platform that leverages data-driven technology to reduce costs and enhance predictability in trade collaborations.
- Kavida AI: Focuses on providing manufacturers with vital supply chain visibility and automation, ensuring that critical orders are never missed.
With these technology leaders onboard, the programme is well-positioned to address bottlenecks in international trade, making transactions faster, more reliable, and compliant with emerging global standards.
Driving Sustainable Industry Practices
The second initiative, Product Carbon Footprint Measurement, aims to set new benchmarks in how carbon footprint data is measured and shared across international borders. The project responds to the growing number of countries, now accounting for approximately 70% of global CO2 emissions, pledging to reach net zero. With partners including the Partnership for Carbon Transparency (PACT), Unilever, GS1 UK, and Defra, the initiative will help businesses navigate complex regulatory landscapes and embrace sustainability.
Altruistiq and Siccar, key players in this initiative, have been awarded up to £125,000 each to develop their ground-breaking solutions. Altruistiq focuses on directing climate finance toward impactful interventions by improving data quality in value chains, while Siccar offers a secure data collaboration platform designed to ensure traceability and confidentiality, especially in heavily regulated industries.
Tim Lawrence, Director of the Digital Supply Chain Hub, highlighted the importance of the programme, saying: “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.”
Economic Impact and Sustainability
As international supply chains face mounting pressures, from regulatory demands to economic uncertainties, the need for innovative digital solutions has never been more critical. A recent ICC report underscores this urgency, noting that the adoption of digital trade documents could boost global trade by a staggering $9 trillion (£6.6 trillion) by 2026. The accelerator’s focus on deploying advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, distributed ledger technology, and machine learning is directly aligned with these projections, promising significant economic and environmental benefits.
Digital Catapult’s initiatives are not just about technology; they are about reshaping the global trade landscape, making supply chains more resilient, efficient, and sustainable. By bringing together government, industry, and academia, the accelerator breaks down barriers to innovation, creating a collaborative environment where new ideas can thrive.
Future-Ready Supply Chains
The accelerator represents a pivotal moment for global supply chains. It’s an opportunity for businesses, policymakers, and investors to come together, leverage cutting-edge technologies, and redefine what’s possible in trade and sustainability.
Participants like Altruistiq and Siccar are at the forefront of this revolution, demonstrating how innovative solutions can turn complex challenges into opportunities. As more businesses and countries commit to net zero targets, the demand for accurate carbon footprint data and streamlined cross-border trade will only grow.
A Positive Step Forward
The International Supply Chain Accelerator is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and innovation. By investing in deep tech and fostering partnerships, Digital Catapult is not only supporting today’s trailblazers but also paving the way for a more connected and sustainable global economy.
For those looking to shape the future of international trade, this is just the beginning.
