Innovation Launchpad
What is the GDC Innovation Launchpad?
The GDC Innovation Launchpad aims to help GDC members adapt and adopt innovations that have already been proven elsewhere by ‘trailblazers’; that is, forward-thinking, high-performing last mile distributors (LMDs) or service providers that have already tried and tested these innovations in their own companies.
How does the GDC Innovation Launchpad work?
A small group of GDC members (“innovation adopters”) meet with trailblazers – last mile distributors (LMDs) or service providers – virtually and in person to learn more about their experiences and lessons learned. Innovation adopters receive technical assistance and grant funding to help pilot the innovation in their own company, while innovation trailblazers will receive grant funding and support from the GDC to share their knowledge and insights with the cohort of innovation adopters. The GDC team will share key learnings more broadly with the wider GDC membership and interested last mile distribution sector stakeholders.
Which business innovation does the 2025 GDC Innovation Launchpad focus on?
Based on GDC member preferences that were collected in October 2023, in combination with a feasibility assessment, the 2025 cohort of the GDC Innovation Launchpad focuses on artificial intelligence (AI). The previous cohort focused on last mile repair and e-commerce services. The GDC AI Innovation Launchpad will run from September to April 2026. The method of learning will be virtual, including group sessions, individual consultations, and support to test AI tools – but there may also be an opportunity to meet face-to-face (TBC).
Upcoming cohort on Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This cohort will participate in a virtual bootcamp from September to mid-November. Selected GDC members will get a chance to attend expert-led sessions, peer exchange, and explore real-world AI use cases relevant to the last mile distribution (LMD) sector. At the end of the bootcamp, the programme will continue and participating GDC members will have access to tailored support to enhance their AI integration. This may include collaborating with a trailblazing last mile distributor and AI service provider to apply a tested AI solution in their own company. If you’re not a GDC member and this interests you, please self-evaluate and apply for membership here.
How and when can last mile distributors (LMDs) get involved?
Applications are open until Monday, 28th July 8am EAT. Participating companies must be approved GDC members. If you would like to apply and are not yet a member, please check if you meet our membership criteria and if so, apply to join our community here.
What companies should apply to participate in the AI cohort? You must be…
- A curious and committed GDC member interested in leveraging AI to benefit your business and customers. If you’re not a member, join us.
- Comfortable working in an English language environment.
- Happy with learnings relating to your business to be shared more widely across the GDC membership and LMD sector.
- Willing and able to commit one to two hours per week, for up to seven months (September 2025 to April 2026), depending on whether you are selected to continue to the pilot phase after the end of the AI Bootcamp in November.
- Please note: We particularly encourage applications from locally-led and women-led GDC members.
Next steps
Applications are open until Monday, 4th August at 8am EAT. Please note that selected GDC members will participate in the virtual AI bootcamp from September to mid-November. After the bootcamp ends in mid-November, the programme will continue until April 2026, where participating GDC members will have access to tailored support to enhance their AI integration. This may include collaborating with a trailblazing last mile distributor and AI service provider to apply a tested AI solution in their own company. If you would like to be considered for both the virtual bootcamp and support to pilot an AI innovation, you must be available for approximately 1-2 hours per week for biweekly sessions, follow-ups, and prep work from September until April 2026. Additionally, if you are selected for the grant and follow-up support, we request that you designate a dedicated team member, such as a CEO, COO, operations/agent manager, or IT lead, to coordinate the implementation and serve as the main point of contact.
The GDC Innovation Launchpad is funded with UK aid from the UK government, via the Transforming Energy Access platform.
