Fast Forward Challenge Americas Edition

Calling all trailblazing businesses, start-ups, and innovators! Are you committed to resilience, digitalization, and sustainability, and prepared to help create a better tomorrow? Now’s your chance!

After the success of our Fast Forward Challenges in Valencia, Dubai, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi, DHL is back with the Fast Forward Challenge: Americas Edition at Now & Next in Austin, Texas. This is your opportunity to showcase your cutting-edge technologies and game-changing logistics solutions to a global audience, and specifically in the Americas.

Submit your pitch deck or video TODAY to join the Fast Forward Challenge and partner with our extensive DHL network to drive excellence through true innovation!

Pitch Your Innovation

What’s in it for you?

  • Position your solution to address global challenges in logistics
  • An opportunity to present your innovation to an audience of 500+ supply chain practitioners and thought leaders at the Now & Next Logistics Summit
  • Expert support from the DHL Innovation team, with access to DHL’s global network
  • Compete to win a $20,000 cash prize to take your vision further faster

Submit Now

To participate, submit your pitch deck or video answering the following questions:

  1. Who are you and what does your company represent?
  2. What problem are you tackling?
  3. How does your solution solve the problem?
  4. What steps will you take to scale your solution?
  5. How do you envision future collaboration between your company, DHL customers, and DHL?

 

The top three solution providers will be invited to pitch their solutions at the grand finale at our Now and Next event in Austin, Texas; taking place October 13 - 14, 2025.

Ready to shape the future? Submit your pitch.

Make sure to explore our FAQs for crucial details. Also, check out how DHL’s innovations help our customers to achieve their strategic objectives here.

Let's fast forward to an innovative future, together!

Winner Highlight: TUX Mobility | 2024 APAC Fast Forward Challenge in Sustainable Solutions

TUX Mobility is leading the charge in innovation with its revolutionary solar-powered transport solution, earning the title of winner at the Fast Forward Challenge 2024 during the Era of Sustainable Logistics (EoSL) event in Singapore. This highlight video takes you on an inspiring journey through the challenge, showcasing the creative ideas and impactful stories from participants, judges, and industry leaders.

Watch and see how TUX Mobility is actively transforming transportation to reduce carbon emissions for generations to come. Be inspired by groundbreaking solutions and innovators driving change in logistics!

Participation Details

Who can participate?

Any business dedicated to logistics can participate, except DHL Group employees.

What are the requirements to participate?

Organizations must have the capability to operate in the Americas region with a new, innovative solution that solves a challenge in logistics

What are the rewards of participating in and attending the challenge?

DHL will nominate 3 finalists that will be invited to attend Now & Next   Summit in Austin, Texas with the winner getting a chance for a joint pilot project within DHL, access to the DHL network, joint marketing support, cash prize of 20,000 USD and potential exhibit placement in the DHL Innovation Centers around the world.

What are the steps involved in the application process?

Submit a presentation or video pitch by August 15, 2025, covering company details, the problem addressed, solution, scaling plans, and DHL partnership vision. Should you be selected to participate in the event, you will be notified latest at the beginning of the September following our selection process. 

How do I submit my application?

Use the provided submission form and ensure these are submitted by the specified deadline.

What are the steps involved in the application process?

No funding is available for solutions or pitches in this competition.

Event Details

When will the event take place?

The event will take place in Austin on October 13 and 14, 2025, during which the winner will be announced. Finalists will be informed about six weeks prior to the event.

Are there any costs associated with entering the competition and attending the event in Austin?

There are no costs to participate in the challenge. Further, DHL will arrange and cover the costs of round-trip economy flights and hotel accommodation for up to two team members per finalist invited to Austin. DHL will not cover any cost for the production of any submissions. If visas are required for travel, applicants will be required to obtain these on their own and at their own expense. DHL can provide letters supporting the purpose of the visit if required.

Who should I contact if I face any issues throughout the application process?

Email fastforward@dhl.com for support.

How many team members are allowed to take part in the event in Austin?

Up to two team members from each selected finalist can attend the final event at DHL’s cost.

How do I prepare for finals if selected?

If selected for the finals, DHL's Innovation and Trend Research Team will assist and coach the finalists for the final pitch presentation.

Is virtual participation in the finals allowed?

The final event is face-to-face; virtual participation is not allowed. An alternate delegate is recommended if the primary participant can't attend in person.