**Coventry**: Jaguar Land Rover has partnered with Plug and Play to invite innovators to develop advanced supply chain mapping technologies. The challenge aims to improve traceability and risk mapping, essential for resilience in light of recent disruptions and the push for electric vehicle production.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has unveiled its second Innovation Challenge, inviting start-ups, academics, and other innovators to develop advanced supply chain mapping technologies. The initiative, launched in collaboration with the innovation platform Plug and Play, seeks solutions that can enhance the accuracy of traceability, risk mapping, and visibility across the entire supply chain, particularly in light of the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Applications for this challenge are open until April 25, 2025.
Since the onset of the pandemic, JLR has been actively streamlining its supply chains and forging new partnerships with suppliers to improve planning and parts visibility. These efforts are aimed at safeguarding the company from future disruptions as it continues to develop the next generation of electric vehicles (EVs) and the associated global supply network.
For the current Innovation Challenge, participants are tasked with creating solutions that can improve the accuracy of traceability from tier one parts suppliers down to the tier-n material suppliers, including those responsible for raw material extraction for EV batteries. Potential solutions may involve technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and predictive analytics.
Paulina Chmielarz, the digital and innovation director for Industrial Operations at JLR, highlighted the transformative vision for supply chains, stating, “The future of supply chains is autonomous, intelligent and data driven. At JLR, we’re harnessing the power of AI, machine learning, and real-time analytics to unlock unprecedented visibility and resilience.” Chmielarz further encouraged innovators and tech pioneers to collaborate with JLR in building the next generation of automated supply chains.
In addition to technological advancements, JLR is placing a strong emphasis on environmental and social governance within its supply chain practices. The company is dedicated to developing supply chain transparency to combat issues such as forced labour, illegal deforestation, and unsustainable mining practices.
The Innovation Challenge aligns with JLR’s Reimagine strategy, which aims to establish the company as a carbon net-zero business by 2039. As part of this strategy, JLR has committed to investing £15 billion (approximately $19.4 billion) in its industrial operations, vehicle programmes, and new technologies, including those related to autonomy and AI.
The Innovation Challenge also reflects JLR’s broader innovation pursuits, following the launch of a UK innovation hub in partnership with Plug and Play in 2022. Previous winners of JLR’s Innovation Day have included Genomines, which focuses on carbon-negative mining through genetically enhanced plants; Circuli-ion, known for automated battery pack disassembly and upcycling; and aircela, which produces carbon-neutral fuel from atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Further augmenting its sustainability efforts, JLR has recently announced a collaboration with Dow and Adient to develop a new type of seat foam made from closed-loop recycled polyurethane, marking a significant milestone in automotive production. In addition, JLR joined the UECC’s Sail for Change initiative in January, aiming to switch to biofuels for short-sea shipments in its vehicle logistics.
The schedule for this year’s Innovation Challenge includes an application opening on March 19, 2025, a closing date on April 25, 2025, and a Pitch Day event on July 3, 2025. For those interested in participating, further details and application forms can be found through the JLR Innovation Challenge portal.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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