The Logistics 4.0 Incubator, the incubator dedicated to Logistics 4.0 promoted by the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB) in collaboration with the Incyde Foundation of the Chambers of Commerce of Spain, has just reached its second anniversary. The results of these first two years have been very positive, with a total of 59 projects incubated, 33 of which are still part of the programme. To date, the results are highly encouraging, with a survival rate of 88.1%, as only seven startups have ceased operations so far.
In total, all the projects that have gone through the CZFB’s Logistics 4.0 Incubator have employed 457 professionals and closed last year with a combined turnover of €29,091,545. Moreover, the 59 startups in the Logistics 4.0 Incubator expect to end 2025 with a turnover of €46,568,000, which would represent a 60% increase compared to the previous year.
Of the 59 startups incubated, 20 are international, representing 33.9% of the total. Over these two years, the CZFB’s Logistics 4.0 Incubator has hosted projects from Poland, Sweden, Ukraine, Costa Rica, Denmark, Iran, the United Kingdom, Colombia, Russia, Venezuela, the United States, Nicaragua, Argentina, India, Croatia, Mexico, and France.
The Spanish Government’s Special Delegate at the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona, Pere Navarro, gave a very positive assessment of these two years of activity. “The excellent results of the Logistics 4.0 Incubator are further proof of the importance of public-private collaboration, which in this case has enabled us to boost a logistics hub in Barcelona that is open to innovation, digitalisation, digital talent and sustainability. At the CZFB we will continue working to consolidate this sector in order to increase economic impact, create high-quality business networks, and generate positive returns for society and industry.” Navarro also highlighted that “in these two years we have supported 59 initiatives that are providing value-added services to the business, scientific and technological community, designing innovative products and processes that are transforming the logistics industry. Together, we are helping the logistics sector become more digital, connected and efficient, with a clear and determined commitment to innovation and sustainability.”
Only eight startups founded by women
The Logistics 4.0 Incubator is a clear reflection of the low level of female presence in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, as only eight out of the 59 startups that have participated in the incubator have been founded by women. This figure represents 13.6% of the total, slightly below the European startup ecosystem average of 17% female founders, according to data from the Entrepreneurship Observatory. Similarly, 36.5% of the employees of the startups in the Logistics 4.0 Incubator are women, compared to 63.5% men.
In this regard, Blanca Sorigué, General Manager of the CZFB, explained that “female presence continues to be underrepresented in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, in technology sectors and in STEM professions overall. This is why at the CZFB we are driving initiatives such as the ‘Feel the ZF Power’ programme — which brings girls and teenagers closer to companies in the Zona Franca to promote technical vocations — the Barcelona Woman Acceleration Week, held around March 8th, and the Zona Franca Women’s Council, where we give visibility to female talent in our environment.” The General Manager also emphasised that “the Logistics 4.0 Incubator promotes the development of the most innovative technologies applied to logistics, while also fostering sustainability, as all approved projects meet environmental care and protection requirements. Many of them even base their core purpose on sustainability, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.”
Success stories
During the celebration of the Logistics 4.0 Incubator’s second anniversary, several of its many success stories were presented. These projects were incubated in Barcelona’s Zona Franca and have since grown into consolidated companies with successful innovative activities. There are many examples, such as a company that last year generated nearly €5 million in revenue by implementing Click & Collect solutions. This company offers smart collection points through a locker system that manages delivery, collection and return of refrigerated goods and parcels. The company now has more than 155 clients worldwide. Another standout success is a smart locker company with a presence in 1,000 locations, which expects to close this year with a turnover of €6 million.
Another example is a candidate recruitment platform that generates professional CVs for all applicants. The platform provides candidates with access to training courses in software tools, SaaS, specialised courses, and not only certifies completion of these courses but also conducts AI-driven follow-up interviews and asks candidates questions, helping HR departments with pre-screening. This platform, created less than three years ago, already has 10 employees, more than 60 clients, and expects to surpass €3 million in turnover this year.
Another success story is a land transport software company that integrates AI-based features for traffic accident prevention, theft prevention, and improved communication with self-employed drivers. Founded in 2021, it now employs 60 people, serves over 100 clients, and expects to generate €3.5 million in turnover in 2025.
Another highlight is a web platform that connects exporters and importers with transport companies, helping them secure better prices through its network of providers. This platform, which has 70 clients and generated €2 million in revenue last year, is yet another success story supported by the CZFB’s Logistics 4.0 Incubator.
Technological milestones developed by startups
It should be noted that this incubation programme focuses on various emerging technologies within Logistics 4.0, such as 3D printing, robotics and automated warehouses to optimise processes, the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data for turning information into business insights, last-mile delivery (a key element in e-commerce), as well as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and green logistics. A fundamental feature of the Logistics 4.0 Incubator is that it encourages the development of cutting-edge technologies applied to logistics, but also emphasises sustainability, with all approved projects meeting environmental responsibility requirements. Many of these projects are driven by sustainability itself, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.
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