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3/19/25, 2:01 PM Zelostech’s fully electric delivery vehicle wins DHL’s startup challenge in the Middle East & Africa
Abu-Dhabi/Dubai: Zelostech wins DHL’s Fast Forward Challenge startup program in the Middle East &
Africa. The five shortlisted startups of this year’s Fast Forward Challenge presented groundbreaking
applications based on AI and automation that have the potential to redefine logistics and workforce
efficiency while driving more sustainable supply chains in the MEA region. The innovative solutions

ranged from strategic people analytics platforms to a collaborative mobility approach bridging the gap
between manual labor and automation to fully automated robots and vehicles for intralogistics, mid- and
last-mile deliveries.

“It was such an honor to be among these shortlisted companies who are all pioneers in their specific

field. In the end, it was our autonomous delivery solution for urban logistic deliveries that won and that is
already deployed in various cities in China and in Singapore. We have 3,000 vehicles on the road and
have accumulated nine million kilometers of Level 4-autonomous driving and are eager to enter the UAE
and wider GCC market, says Jason Wang, UAE-Country Manager of Zelostech.

The Fast Forward Challenge, now in its fourth edition, is a startup program organized by the DHL Middle

East & Africa Innovation Center together with strategic partners. It supports startups that offer innovative
solutions to meet the future needs of logistics and supply chains.

“Congratulations to the winner Zelostech. I am certain they will make a major difference towards shaping
the future of logistics and I am very much looking forward to our collaboration,” says Irina Albanese,
Head of Innovation, Middle East & Africa at DHL. “The candidates this year are really remarkable,
especially in terms of the maturity of the startups and the innovative ideas and solutions that were
presented. With our Fast Forward Challenge, we offer a platform for startups to showcase their

groundbreaking solutions, receive ongoing mentorship, and forge valuable connections with venture
capitalists. It is truly an ecosystem of opportunities.”

While some of the presented solutions vary greatly, they have one major thing in common: All five
startups provide a solution to address current and future challenges with the world of work evolving.

This year’s program featured startups from around the globe. For the final round, the contestants took
the grand stage of the Future 100 Forum during the 4th edition of the annual Investopia Summit in Abu
Dhabi. Investopia is a UAE-based platform launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The platform connects the
global investment community with opportunities in new economies.

In Abu Dhabi, the five shortlisted companies had to pitch to a panel of 9 prominent judges with a wealth
of business expertise in the region, the industry, and beyond. The judges selected the winner, utilizing a
set of detailed criteria to guide their decision-making process. The Fast Forward Challenge @ Investopia
winner will benefit from extensive support provided by industry experts and consultants, including

mentorship, trade license support, extensive media coverage, and a membership to the Ignyte platform

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