YBF Ventures partners with Linfox to launch FuelHack
A key function of YBF Ventures is to work with corporates to help them innovate. The end goal is to solve real-world problems and identify new ways of doing things. Cue FuelHack.
We’re thrilled to be partnering with iconic Australian logistics company, Linfox on FuelHack. A hackathon that will unlock innovative ways to further reduce environmental emissions. How? By optimising fuel consumption.
Kicking off on Thursday 9 May, participants in the YBF Ventures x Linfox FuelHack will have 28 hours to tackle challengessuch as route optimisation, fuel-price tracking, driver behaviour monitoring and the use of telemetry for fuel economy in the search for the most cost-effective and environmentally responsible transport solution.
The winning hackathon solution will receive $8,000 cash and the runner-up will receive $2,000 cash. Plus, both the winner and the runner-up will be awarded coworking space at YBF Ventures’ headquarters in Melbourne’s CBD.
What to expect at FuelHack
Prior to the event, a sample Linfox dataset will be released to participants. The data will include sample fuel and supply chain information, intended to provide an idea of what to expect.
On the first day, following registration, Linfox Chief Financial Officer, Michael Pickard will personally welcome participants and Linfox Chief Information Officer, Conrad Harvey will run the teams through Linfox’s current use of technology.
YBF Ventures’ Chief of Staff, Jason Lim, will coach attendees on making the most of the 28-hour event. Jason has been with the company since 2012 and has produced multiple hackathons in the past.
Reducing environmental impact
Fuel is one of the highest operating costs for supply chain organisations and the fastest transport modes can often be the least fuel efficient.
Linfox is deeply committed to reducing its environmental impact and invests heavily in renewable energy, supply chain optimisation, landfill reduction strategies and the most efficient fleet to make good on this commitment. These investments have already reaped significant environmental benefits.
This hackathon aims to further reduce carbon emissions across Linfox’s fleet of vehicles. An optimisation of just one per cent can significantly lower carbon emissions across a large network!
Finding technological solutions
“Linfox has been at the forefront of supply chain management and logistics for more than 60 years,” said Linfox Chief Technology Officer, Nick Delija.
“In 2019, Linfox looks forward to working with YBF Ventures to find stand-out technological solutions to optimise our fuel use. We can’t wait to see what the hackathon teams come up with.”
“Being able to leverage our unparalleled network of startups and partners to help Linfox solve this challenge is fantastic,” YBF Ventures CEO, Farley Blackman added.
“I have no doubt that the participants will come up with some exciting ideas that will help drive Linfox into the next decade.”
An impressive judging panel
On the final day, participants will present their solutions to guests, coaches and judges, and the cash and coworking space prizes will be awarded.
The judges will be assessing the solutions against criteria including: degree of innovation, potential benefits, ease of implementation and probability of success.
The judging panel consists of senior executives from YBF Ventures, Linfox and Viva Energy:
- Farley Blackman, CEO, YBF Ventures
- Michael Pickard CFO, Linfox
- Conrad Harvey CIO, Linfox
- Lyn Gould National Operations Manager, Linfox
- Shona Slimmon General Manager, Linfox
- Debbie Reich General Manager, Linfox
- Jodie Haydon EGM — People and Culture, Viva Energy Australia
We’re calling on anyone who has innovative ideas around reducing fuel usage and emissions to sign up via the official FuelHack website. There is no cost to participate. Apply here.
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