In January, the winners of the “Wanted: Sustainable last mile delivery heroes” ideas competition, part of the SuColo research project, on Salzburg Research’s IdeaSpace ideas platform were awarded. The SuCoLo project explores sustainable and inclusive solutions for the use of bicycle logistics to promote net-zero ways of delivery and collection of goods in outlying urban areas.

For this idea competition innovative ideas were sought for sustainable solutions that raise awareness of green alternatives, support local initiatives, promote sustainable collection and delivery methods and motivate consumers to make environmentally conscious choices.

Concrete, practicable solutions to the following questions were sought:

• How can we encourage behavior change and awareness among consumers in rural and suburban areas to adopt more sustainable practices when ordering and receiving goods? 
• How should a “green” online store be designed to attract environmentally conscious consumers and encourage sustainable delivery?
• Imagine the perfect pick-up station. What amenities and incentives would encourage people to choose pick-up delivery for their goods?
• Design the ultimate booking platform for cargo bike sharing that can facilitate citizens to move/deliver goods in a smooth and sustainable way. What features would be essential (e.g., user-friendly booking system, route optimization, real-time data integration and pricing), and how can these be implemented?

Innovative solutions awarded

A total of 53 creative ideas was submitted to open innovation platform IdeaSpace from Salzburg Research. After the community evaluation, the ideas were presented to the renowned expert jury. The three innovative solutions and a community winner – the idea with the most community likes – were selected:

1. „PaketPlus: The Human Pick-Up Station” by xmaddu: An idea that not only improves the efficiency of the last mile but also creates genuine social and ecological value. The concept combines practical everyday usability with innovation and a clear focus on community and sustainability. With the most community likes, the idea was also voted the community winner.
2. „GreenHub 360“ von Chiara Christina Hollaus: GreenHub 360 idea for the perfect pick-up station solves an important delivery problem by using storage for both pick up and leaving items from a strategic geographical location. To collect all deliveries for one household or community at one point and take it all in one go will reduce the costly last mile transportation.
3. „Community Monopoly for the Last Mile” von Stefan Fischer: The idea brings up an innovative and holistic approach to sustainable logistics that balances ecological, economic, and social benefits. By empowering municipalities to organize and optimize last-mile deliveries, this idea reduces traffic congestion and emissions, strengthens local businesses, and improves the quality of life for citizens.

Congratulations to the winners and good luck with further ideas!

Sei ein Teil von etwas Großem – so einfach geht’s!

IdeaSpace ideas platform from Salzburg Research is all about your ideas! Help us solve questions and problems by submitting your ideas, working on ideas with other creative minds, and getting honest feedback. We welcome everyone, because good ideas know no boundaries! Discover the power of the network that connects you with like-minded people, experts and exciting institutions and companies.
Join in and shape the future with us in the IdeaSpace!