# AI Innovation for Resilient Supply Chains

A call for integrated, next-generation solutions that harness AI and advanced technologies to redesign supply chain architectures, enhance resilience and adaptability, reduce systemic fragmentation and dependencies and strengthen reliability amid geopolitical, climate and technological disruption.


## Overview

Supply chains are no longer facing temporary shocks but continuous, structural disruption, driving a shift from efficiency-led, just-in-time models to a paradigm centred on resilience, adaptability and ecosystem coordination. They are becoming interconnected, multi-tier systems where performance depends on coordination across suppliers and partners, not just individual firms.Companies have invested in AI tools such as risk sensing, control towers and digital twins. While these improve visibility and responsiveness, they largely optimize existing structures rather than addressing systemic weaknesses. Visibility beyond Tier 1 suppliers remains limited, SMEs are often excluded from digital capabilities, climate risks are not consistently integrated, and gaps persist in workforce skills and governance for AI, data and cybersecurity.Current approaches remain fragmented, relying on point solutions instead of integrated, system-level capabilities. As disruption becomes structural, incremental optimization is no longer sufficient.Led by UpLink and Accenture, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum's Next Frontiers of Operations Initiative, this Challenge therefore asks how AI can move beyond improving existing processes to enabling new supply chain architectures — rethinking network design, sourcing and coordination while embedding resilience, sustainability, inclusion and trust by design. Learn more about our AI and resilient supply chains innovation ecosystem. Winners will gain access to a global network of corporates, investors and policymakers to support deployment and scale. This Challenge is part of the UpLink Innovation Challenge Series – Spring 2026, a global call for early-stage solutions ready to move from innovation to real-world deployment at scale, shaping the markets, industries and systems of tomorrow.


## Focus areas


### AI unlocking new supply chain paradigms beyond today’s design assumptions

Solutions revealing and enabling new supply chain models, structures and coordination logics, uncovering opportunities and system designs not visible within current planning, sourcing or logistics frameworks.


### AI enabling proactive, ecosystem-wide risk management and adaptive supply chain planning

Solutions enabling real-time risk sensing, scenario modelling and coordinated planning across ecosystems, improving resilience through early disruption detection, adaptive decision-making and synchronized responses across supply networks.


### AI enabling resilient sourcing and adaptive supplier strategies across supply chains

Solutions strengthening sourcing resilience through multi-tier visibility, adaptive supplier strategies and data-driven decision-making, enabling supply chains to anticipate risk, diversify sourcing and maintain continuity under disruption.


### AI enabling resilient, adaptive logistics and fulfilment network coordination

Solutions enabling real-time coordination, traceability and execution of logistics flows, improving resilience through adaptive routing, synchronized operations and continuity across warehouses, transport and distribution networks.


## Selection criteria


## Frequently Asked Questions

*Common questions and answers*


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## Benefits for selected UpLink Ventures

Approximately 10 submissions will be selected as winners, recognized as UpLink Ventures and become part of the UpLink Innovation Ecosystem, a curated programme designed for Founders, CEOs, Executive Directors, etc.,which provides:


### Access

Participation in World Economic Forum and partner-led events, projects and communities.


### Visibility

Global exposure via the Forum’s and UpLink’s digital media channels.


### Connections

Strategic introductions to select organizations in the Forum’s and UpLink’s network.


### Targeted support

Including programming and support on technical, business, and operational matters.


## Expectations of selected UpLink Ventures

Once selected, UpLink Ventures are expected to actively contribute as members of its Innovation Ecosystem, including:Events: Participating in UpLink and partner-led programming and events.Marketing and media: Sharing relevant information and assets for marketing campaigns and media requests.Impact reporting: Engaging in regular communication touchpoints, including meetings and surveys, to assess needs and impact.


## Challenge timeline


## Timeline

*Chronological events and milestones*


## Partners

This Challenge was made possible by the generous support of our partners.


## Funded by


*Partner organizations and sponsors*


## In collaboration with the World Economic Forum's Next Frontiers of Operations Initiative


## Ecosystem Partners


## Members

*Browse and filter community members*