From 3D-printed drones that deliver packages in hard-to-reach areas to a software for smart mailboxes, through remote driving systems for distribution and payment solutions through crypto assets. They are four of the eight winning projects in the fourth edition of the Lehnica Changer Challengethe acceleration program startup of mails. Innovation is the hallmark of this initiative promoted by the public company, whose objective is to recruit companies with which to develop new solutions and technological products that add value to society.
The eight selected SMEs will launch a six-month pilot program together with Correos, which will accompany them throughout the process. Each of them will receive an economic consideration of 15,000 euros, provided by Correos, in addition to personalized mentoring and access to the ecosystem and the facilities of the CorreosLabs innovation centerlocated in the neighborhood of Las Tablas (Madrid).
A team from Correos will accompany the companies throughout the acceleration process, which will combine face-to-face meetings at the CorreosLabs headquarters with off-site sessions. With this formula, everyone wins. On the one hand, the startup and entrepreneurs can materialize new and innovative ideas, while receiving the advice and experience of Correos. In turn, Correos expands its business vision from different perspectives and work areas, which allows it to incorporate new solutions to face the challenges that lie ahead. If the trial concludes successfully and the results show that there is sufficient potential to maintain the collaboration in the future, Correos becomes an investor.
The philosophy of the Lehnica Challenge is based on proposing innovative proposals, providing tools, having and sharing ideas, defending them and trying to make them work
Juan Manuel Serrano, Postmaster
This fourth edition of the Lehnica Challenge has been aimed at small companies with a maximum seniority of five years. Since May, when the call was opened, more than 150 candidate projects have been received, most of them related to logistics solutions. Since this program began, a total of 23 startup have joined the CorreosLabs community.
“The philosophy of the Lehnica Challenge is based on proposing innovative proposals, providing tools, having and sharing ideas, defending them and trying to make them work. What we do is value the public company for all the entrepreneurs and their talent”, explains the President of Correos, Juan Manuel Serrano, who closed the event in which the names of the winners were announced. . Serrano has advanced that Correos is studying a plan to territorialize CorreosLabs, which includes the opening of new offices in other cities. In this way, the power of this innovation program would be multiplied and more startup to this ecosystem.
During the event, the entrepreneur Noemí Barrientos, founder of León Startup and the Manda Venancia Association in Asturias, called for the need to develop innovative projects that transform the territory “from the territory itself”. “We need talented entrepreneurs who come to towns and rural areas with solutions that truly respond to specific challenges and real needs in these areas, which are different from those of cities”, she defended.
Numerous personalities from the public and private sectors related to innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as employees and managers of Correos, attended this event held at the headquarters of CorreosLabs. Those responsible for the eight chosen projects, which are framed in six areas of work, have also participated in it.
• ‘Data Driven’: that is, those innovative solutions based on the collection and analysis of data and its possible monetization. The startup Expai has developed a proposal based on transparent and explainable Artificial Intelligence (AI), which identifies possible biases and could be used by Correos as support in decision-making, thus increasing productivity.
• User experience: projects that provide innovation and facilitate interaction with the client. The startup Ubyko works on the transformation of offices for the automation and storage of the so-called quickcommerce. To do this, it proposes the first intelligent warehouse system connected to the street through an ATM operating 24 hours a day, without staff, and with absolute real-time control over the products, to make ultra-fast deliveries, in a maximum half an hour.
• Cybersecurity: In this case, the idea is to develop ideas that add value in the prevention of cyberattacks, so that progress is made towards a robust and secure omnichannel approach. The startup eSignus gives access to crypto assets to all Correos clients, easily and securely. Its solution covers purchases through the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) and the Correos prepaid card, which can make the company a facilitator and democratizer of access to crypto assets. .
• Automation: Innovative projects related to the automation and optimization of processes that facilitate decision-making regarding products and services are valued. Deliberty has developed a software for intelligent mailboxes that would provide a solution to parcel delivery and return problems without the need for attendance. The devices could be integrated with the different platforms that Correos already has, and adapt to the needs of any environment or situation.
We need talented entrepreneurs who come to towns and rural areas with solutions that truly respond to specific challenges and real needs in these areas
Noemí Barrientos, founder of León Startup and the Manda Venancia Association in Asturias
• Logistics: Correos places special emphasis on those projects that improve the logistics experience both globally and throughout its value chain (traceability, new delivery models, urban logistics, circular economy, energy efficiency, dynamic deliveries, drones, autonomous vehicles…). In this case, the Lehnica Challenge has selected three startup. One of them is Aldoratech, which offers a comprehensive last-mile air transport service autonomously through the use of drones created with 3D printers. These devices would allow Correos the possibility of delivering more packages and making deliveries in areas of difficult access. For its part, Eos Connectivity is committed to the sensorization of electric vehicles that would facilitate the connection of these fleets with managers and users, and would allow services with greater added value. With the help of Correos, a connected vehicle platform would be validated for distribution and specific distribution in areas of low population density. Finally, Esus Ecomobility has developed vehicles with a remote driving system that would incorporate an innovative postman tracking mode. These devices are capable of creating more agile and efficient delivery routes, even through pedestrian areas.
• Social: These are projects that contribute to revitalizing rural areas, establishing population, promoting the transformation of the so-called emptied Spain and having a positive impact on the environment. The startup Sunnerbox proposes a multiplatform powered solely by renewable energy sources that, by way of micro hub geographically distributed in urban and rural settings, they would act not only as collection points but also as a Post Office multi-platform with different services associated with urban mobility. This broadens the brand experience and promotes economic and social development compatible with respect for and preservation of the environment.
