GXO Logistics has launched a new Open Innovation programme, bringing together startups, scale-ups and technology specialists to identify, test and scale solutions to key operational challenges in the UK and Ireland logistics sector.
The GXO Accelerator, which aims to turbocharge the development and deployment of emerging technologies in the logistics sector, is delivered in collaboration with innovation specialist L Marks.
The initiative marks the next phase of GXO’s collaboration with technology partners, which will see new ideas triallled in live logistics environments.
Selected companies will take part in a 12-week cohort, working alongside GXO’s operational and technology teams to test solutions in real-world settings.
The aim is to deliver improvements in efficiency, resilience and sustainability, with successful innovations having the potential to be scaled across GXO’s UK and Ireland operations.
The programme will focus on four key areas: defence and infrastructure logistics, digital transport, future workforce, and an open category for emerging technologies outside these themes.
Areas of interest include tools to improve driver safety and transport visibility, AI-driven workforce management, and enhanced asset tracking across complex supply chains.
Participants will engage in structured test-and-learn cycles, gaining access to operational environments to refine their technologies.
Paul Durkin, GXO UK & Ireland chief operating officer, said the programme reflects the pace of change facing supply chains. “Supply chains are evolving rapidly, and collaboration with innovative technology partners is essential to staying ahead of that change.
“GXO Accelerator will give innovative technology companies the opportunity to work directly with our teams to tackle real operational challenges and demonstrate the value their solutions can bring to logistics operations today and tomorrow,” he added.
Daniel Saunders, L Marks CEO, commented: “GXO’s scale and reach allow technology companies to pilot their solutions in real logistics environments and work directly with the teams responsible for running them.
“It’s great to see that foundation evolve into GXO Accelerator and to help take the programme into its next phase.”
The launch follows earlier innovation activity under the Wincanton W2 Labs programme, which supported 30 technology businesses prior to its integration into GXO.
Technologies explored included AI-powered vehicle damage detection, predictive analytics, autonomous mobile robots and tools for optimising labour and asset utilisation.
Applications for the first GXO Accelerator cohort are now open.
