Deutsche Bahn aims to digitize freight transport with its StartupXpress startup program. The application deadline is March 25.
Freight transport on Europe's railways is struggling: The volume of goods transported is continuously growing, yet more and more goods are being transported by road. According to Deutsche Bahn, many problems are self-inflicted: Some processes are not yet sufficiently efficient; train tracking and arrival forecasting are causing problems, as are the booking process and capacity planning. With the StartupXpress program, Deutsche Bahn is now seeking digital solutions for freight transport.
StartupXpress offers capital, mentoring and jobs
Possible topics for the startups we are looking for could include: the integration of internal and external data through APIs, the use of blockchain and Internet of Things technologies in freight transport, optimization of the user experience, data analysis, new business models such as marketplaces or platforms, decision support in scheduling, or the digitalization of complaint management, waybills, and forecasting.
In addition to access to the DB Group, the selected startups will have the opportunity to participate in the Berlin coworking space of the railway to work, as well as support in the areas of funding, know-how, and mentoring. A dedicated startup manager and railway experts support the startups in validating their concepts. Additionally, they can receive €25,000 in seed capital without having to surrender any shares.
Both early- and late-stage startups that can present at least one MVP can apply for StartupXpress until March 25th.
