A Journey to Innovation in Logistics and Freight Decarbonization

Smart Freight Centre (SFC) believes that innovation is an important element to its (multinational) members’ decarbonization journey. SFC wants to support innovation where possible, especially when it helps its members accelerate their progress in achieving net-zero emissions.

Following up on the successful Spotlight on Innovation 2024 event, Smart Freight Centre, in collaboration with D2XCEL, and with the support of Solar Impulse Foundation, ALICE, Start Up Energy Transition, Third Derivative, and Amsterdam Trade & Innovate, will host Spotlight on Innovation 2025 on the 20th of March. This activity takes place during Smart Freight Week (18-20 March 2025, Amsterdam) at De Kromhouthal.

Smart Freight Week is the annual 3-day invitation-only event hosted by SFC where logistics industry leaders (including our members, partners, and academia) come together to discuss and work on the decarbonization of the logistics industry/sector.

What's coming in 2025:

This year, we are bringing 20 innovators to stage.

In the morning, we will have three parallel pitch sessions based on three themes: Road Decarbonization, Logistics Optimization, and Maritime, Air, Rail, Ports and Hubs Decarbonization. Each session will invite approximately 7 innovators (see below) to present their innovations in the form of 5-minute pitches.

From each category, our expert panel and audience will select two best innovators to pitch during the afternoon plenary session.

In the plenary session, next to the six one-minute pitches from the innovators, we will host a panel discussion with key ecosystem players on what companies and organizations can do individually and collectively to accelerate the transition to net zero.

Road Decarbonization

Logistics Optimization

Maritime, Air, Rail, Ports and Hubs Decarbonization

Event Focus

• Freight and logistics decarbonization
• Bridging the gap between multinationals and innovators who are leading the way in decarbonization
• Ventures enabling emission reduction for freight transport (hardware & software)
• Open to all modes and solution levers

Examples of topics

• Zero-emission or alternative fuel truck, ship, train and plane solutions
• Innovative charging/fuelling solutions
• Integrated routing and charging/fuelling planning tools for trucks, ships and planes
• Vehicle and ship efficiency technologies
• Smart multi-modal transport tools and solutions
• Other innovative solutions (lightweight packing solutions, pallets, containers, etc.)

New Venue

This year's partners

Selection Criteria

• Significant GHG reduction impact potential
• In the ‘ready to be implemented’ or ‘already implemented’ stage of development
• Ability to demonstrate existing customer base
• Well-financed for the next 18 months
• Strong management team

Recap of 2024

The purpose of the Spotlight on Innovation was to foster networking opportunities between SFC members and innovators in the field of logistics decarbonization. The event was structured as a plenary pitch session followed by a day-long innovation fair, both held during Smart Freight Week on April 24, 2024, in Amsterdam. This is SFC’s flagship three-day in-person event, which attracts over 500 decision-makers in sustainable logistics from more than 135 multinational companies (Freight Buyers, Logistics Service Providers, Carriers etc.).

A total of 11 logistics decarbonization innovators were selected for the event, representing a diverse range of modalities and types, including both software and hardware solutions. These innovations were all either market-ready or near market-ready, showcasing the cutting edge of logistics decarbonization technology.

The event was organized in collaboration with the Solar Impulse Foundation (SIF), Start-up Energy Transition (SET), and the Alliance for Innovation through Collaboration in Europe (ALICE). These partners were instrumental in sourcing top-tier innovators and in the overall design of the event.

Hear from Our 2024 Innovators

Do you have any questions?

Please contact Daan van Zanten and/or Iulia Manole

Daan Van Zanten

Project Lead, Collaboration Catalyzer

Julia Manole

Program Coordinator, Sustainable Freight Buyers Alliance