IndX - a unique collaboration in the search for innovative ideas
There is a new business landscape on the rise. We, companies that want to stay ahead of competition, need to move fast. Building new partnerships and competitive ecosystems is crucial to us. Equally important, trying to keep up with the fast-changing business environment moving into the age of autonomy, and integrate connectivity and AI into our operations.
To stay at the forefront, we need to be more innovative, making sustainability an integral part of our business models and keep pace with digital transformation.
What is IndX?
IndX is an open innovation arena that links four of the largest global industrial companies in East Sweden i.e. Saab, Husqvarna Group, Toyota Material Handling and Väderstad partner with entrepreneurs and start-ups for new innovative ideas in emerging technologies.
We want to grow the ecosystem around smart industry on a global scale, operating from the region of East Sweden, supported by the Linköping Science Park. We intend to connect with start-ups from all over the world that are pioneers in digital technology and new sustainable business models addressing the challenges previously mentioned.
" This initiative helps us scout interesting technologies and start-ups for future collaboration, building eco-systems and accelerate innovation. Being one of the partners of IndX enables us to share common high-level use cases, attract more tech companies and possibly also share investments in setting up pilots together.
We are looking for all kinds of solutions that can make our customers’ and our own operation smarter, more efficient, more sustainable, or simply better in any aspect. Of special interest are of course innovations that fall in line with any of the focus areas.
Pitch your ideas to us!”
Hans Larsson
Director Strategic Innovation
Toyota Material Handling Europe
How does it work?
Who can take part? Any start-up or small company that has a dedicated team and innovative ideas relating to the partners’ focus areas. Wherever you are in the world, you can participate.
IndX focus areas are:
Autonomy
We are looking for solutions related to perception, obstacle detection and classification, data processing, reasoning and decision making. We also have an interest in solutions that enable better interaction between humans and autonomous vehicles.
Connectivity
We have broad knowledge access, but are looking for solutions with a competitive edge in the field of cybersecurity, self-organising networks, 5G technology etc
Sustainability
The transformation to green energy is a major question for us. How can we optimise our energy consumption and use as much cheap but green energy as possible. New battery technology and energy storage solutions as well as new sustainable materials are also of interest for us.
Another important area
We also want to highlight health and safety of the people handling and operating around the forklift trucks.
Safety solutions in logistics are a top priority to us and our customers. Therefore, object detection, which makes it possible for forklift trucks to avoid creating dangerous situations for humans, is an area of great interest to us. But also machine learning, which means that it is easier for humans to understand and predict what the forklift truck intends to do next.
How to sign up?
It’s all really easy. You apply by filling out a simple form. The application stays open throughout the year, so you can apply whenever it is suitable for you. You only need to apply once, your application is saved in the Startup Bank. The new applications are reviewed every month by a group of experts from the partner companies.
We host several Pitch Days. When the applications are reviewed, the expert group will select interesting companies to move forward with, and these companies will get an invitation to an upcoming Pitch Day.
Pitch days 2023:
- 31st of March (the last day to apply if you want to get reviewed for the first pitch day is on the 6th of March) at Toyota Material Handling Europe in Sweden
- 2nd of June
- 5th of September
- 24th of November
It will be possible to participate both physically and virtually. So don’t hesitate to apply, even if you are located on the opposite side of the world from us.
If the partners agree to collaborate with a start-up after they’ve heard the pitch, they will invite the start-up for a follow-up meeting.