Innovation Challenges

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Challenge Owner(s)
BlueScope, ANC Delivers, ComfortDelGro Australia, SunRice
Organiser(s)
Enterprise Singapore, Padang & Co
Industry Type(s)
Agri-tech, Energy & Chemicals, Infrastructure, Land Transport, Urban Solutions
Opportunities and Support Co-innovation and paid pilot opportunities with companies in Australia. POC Development grant of up to S$20,000.
Application Start Date 11 April 2024
Application End Date 7 June 2024
Website Click here to learn more

About Challenge

The challenge provides a platform for startups and SMEs to work directly with companies that are committed to decarbonisation targets, and to fast-track their market entry into Australia.

Australia offers a great testbed for green technologies. The country’s urban centres are at the forefront of sustainable and low carbon design, and with the upcoming electrification of transportation, Australia is transitioning towards renewable energy sources and more sustainable resource consumption.

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Challenge Owner(s)ANC Delivers
Industry Types(s)
Agri-tech, Energy & Chemicals, Infrastructure, Land Transport, Urban Solutions

Delivery Driver Route and Schedule Optimisation

A scheduling solution that aligns with both customer delivery windows and environmental goals can minimise idle time and ensure drivers can complete the maximum number of deliveries with the least environmental impact.

The increasing demand for e-commerce deliveries has amplified the need for the optimisation of driver schedules and routes critical for reducing carbon emissions and improving delivery times. Implementing algorithms or tools can adjust and optimise routes in real-time based on traffic conditions, delivery windows, weather information, and other variables, thus reducing unnecessary miles travelled and improving fuel efficiency. This can be coupled with a system that uses historical data and predictive analytics to forecast delays or route disruptions, allowing preemptive adjustments to schedules.

How might we assist drivers in optimising their delivery routes and improving the efficiency of their schedules?

 

What We Are Looking For

The solution should consider real-time traffic data, weather conditions, package size and weight, delivery urgency, vehicle capacity, and carbon emission rates.

 

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Challenge Owner(s)ANC Delivers
Industry Types(s)
Agri-tech, Energy & Chemicals, Infrastructure, Land Transport, Urban Solutions

Delivery Driver EV Charging Optimisation

Advanced delivery route optimisation should consider not just the delivery locations but also the proximity to charging stations. This can help drivers maintain efficient routes while ensuring they have access to charging points if needed. A system that dynamically schedules EV charging based on delivery schedules, vehicle usage patterns, energy demand, and cost considerations also helps ensure vehicles are charged during optimal times.

How might we assist drivers in optimising the time and location for charging of their Electric Vehicles?

 

What We Are Looking For

Your proposed solution should consider these challenges in major Australian cities:
  • Limited availability in high-density areas –  Drivers without private parking spaces rely on street parking and cannot easily access home charging solutions. This is especially challenging for individuals living in apartments or renting their homes, who often face difficulties installing private chargers due to space constraints or restrictions imposed by landlords or body corporates.
  • Fast charging stations – The demand for fast charging stations is growing, especially for drivers who need to quickly recharge and continue their journeys. However, fast chargers require significant electrical capacity. There is uneven distribution of charging stations, including scarcity in some suburban areas.
  • Peak hour limitations and electricity prices – In some areas, the existing electricity grid may struggle to support the rapid increase in demand for EV charging, especially during peak times. Also, Australia has some of the highest electricity prices globally, which can affect the cost-effectiveness of EV charging, particularly during peak hours.

Your solution should address the unique dynamics of last-mile delivery logistics, including variable schedules, route fluctuations, and the imperative for high vehicle uptime.

 

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Challenge Owner(s)BlueScope
Industry Types(s)
Agri-tech, Energy & Chemicals, Infrastructure, Land Transport, Urban Solutions

Greener Design and Construction of Industrial and Commercial Buildings

BlueScope is looking for solutions to fundamentally improve the thermal performance, carbon footprint and general sustainability of industrial and commercial buildings through better design, products, systems and installation methods.

How might we transform the design and construction of industrial and commercial buildings to make them environmentally friendly and energy efficient? 

 

What We Are Looking For

BlueScope is looking for innovations that are Tech Readiness Level (TRL) 4 and above, ie. validated in a lab and now ready to be tested in a real-world environment.

 

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Challenge Owner(s)ComfortDelGro Australia
Industry Types(s)
Agri-tech, Energy & Chemicals, Infrastructure, Land Transport, Urban Solutions

Automated Movement of Electric Buses Within a Depot

CDC is electrifying its bus fleet and expects to have a level of autonomous vehicle capability in the long run. Automation is incremental. They are seeking to explore pilots with tech innovators to test emerging technologies that bridge the gap between now and what could be in around 10 years’ or more time when the fleet is fully electric and autonomous.

How might we automate the movement of electric buses within a depot for efficient charging and maintenance?

 

What We Are Looking For

The solution should have the ability to make an electric (or hybrid) bus autonomously and safely navigate to a charging station and other service bays within a bus depot and back to its predetermined bus bay ready for its next day’s operation. 

It is likely to consist of a navigation system enabled by Global Positioning System or other systems; a range of sensors, such as light detection and ranging sensors (LIDAR), radar or sonars; cameras, etc. 

Depot size is not a limitation, as the solution can be applied to big or small bus depots. Big depots hold over 70 buses (some over 100).

 

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Challenge Owner(s)SunRice
Industry Types(s)
Agri-tech, Energy & Chemicals, Infrastructure, Land Transport, Urban Solutions

Lower-emission Drying of Rice Paddy

Efficient drying not only preserves the rice for longer periods but also ensures that the quality of the rice meets both domestic and international standards. 

Drying is one of the more energy-intensive steps in the rice processing chain, primarily because removing moisture from the grains requires significant amounts of heat and air movement. This is expensive and increases Scope 2 emissions. 

Also, drying occurs directly after harvest, meaning significant quantities of electricity are consumed in a four-to-six month window from April each year.

How might we reduce the emissions and costs arising from drying rice paddy?

 

What We Are Looking For

The solution should:
  • Be easily retrofitted into existing AGS infrastructure; and 
  • Enable drying to occur 24/7.

 

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Challenge Owner(s)SunRice
Industry Types(s)
Agri-tech, Energy & Chemicals, Infrastructure, Land Transport, Urban Solutions

More Sustainable Removal of Rice Stubble (Waste)

The presence of rice stubble poses a challenge for the preparation of fields for subsequent planting. The stubble needs to be removed or managed in a way that allows for the efficient sowing of the next crop.

A common practice to deal with rice stubble is burning it. This method is quick and cost-effective in the short term, allowing for the easy preparation of fields for the next planting season.

However, stubble burning has significant environmental and health drawbacks. It contributes to air pollution, releasing greenhouse gases and particulate matter that can harm respiratory health. Additionally, it can reduce soil quality over time by destroying organic matter and beneficial microorganisms. 

How might we develop a more economical and sustainable alternative to stubble burning?

 

What We Are Looking For

The solution should:
  • Be cost neutral or at least cost effective, or provides a value-add for growers that also results in reduced emissions;
  • Be practical and fit into the existing farming system; and
  • Be scalable across 600 farms of an average size of 200ha, that are harvested during a three-month period.

 

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Register your interest for the Information Session!

Briefing Date:
Tuesday, May 7, 2024, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM (GMT+8) 

Briefing Venue:
Virtual 

Register here.