Nippon Express Holdings launches startup innovation program

Nippon Express Holdings, Inc. has announced the launch of the second phase of its co-creation program with startups, titled ‘NX-Tech HUB Open Innovation Program 2026’. In collaboration with eiicon Inc. and its open innovation platform AUBA, the program aims to address logistics industry challenges by integrating advanced technologies with the group’s business foundation.

The program focuses on three primary themes: the automation and labor reduction of field operations through physical AI and robotics; the autonomy of administrative and management tasks using AI agents and generative AI; and data innovation for green transformation (GX) and new value creation through data analysis.

Applications opened on September 28, 2026, with an early application deadline on October 13, 2026. Selected ideas will undergo demonstration experiments starting in January 2027. The first phase of the program successfully collaborated with companies such as AYUMI BIONICS, focusing on AI motion analysis for elderly workers, and Cloudshift, which utilized AI agents for multilingual standard operating procedures.