Holland Container Innovations, a spin-out from TU Delft, has won the Shell Livewire Young Business Award 2009 for the development of a foldable cargo container. When collapsed it takes up 75 per cent less space than a standard container. This is significant because 40 per cent of containers transported by road in Europe are empty; while of those transported by sea, around 20 percent are empty. Collapsing containers after they are emptied will enable more to be transported at the same time.
Arthur Eger, president of the jury, praised the obvious and clear presentation of the Delft entrepreneurs and the business model they have devised. “Moreover, they focus on a market which has seen little or no innovation for 50 years. This means that it is difficult for the market to change and adopt new technology, and they are very realistic and practical. Their plan is very well organised,” said Eger.
Holland Container Innovations is based in YES! Delft, the business centre of TU Delft. The centre provides practical assistance, strategic advice and the technical infrastructure for product and process development.
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