Case Studies

Executive Summary

BP engaged Leading Edge Only to provide insight into the energy transition, encompassing both innovative technologies and expertise. BP wanted to tackle the dual challenge of meeting the growing energy demand of the world with fewer emissions. They were interested in views from individuals on which game-changing technology trends they should focus on to support them in the energy transition.

The Outcome

An 8-week campaign was conducted, in which LEO utilised their connections within the innovation market to ask industry leaders, academics, SMEs and consultants to submit their perspectives and game changing technologies on energy transition, to the BP Network. As a result, a total of 230 applications were received and reviewed and as a result, BP created conversations within an Experts Network to identify potential individuals that would influence their overall thinking and strategy.

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“LEO successfully introduced us to a large pool of innovative thinkers who began to influence BP’s strategic thinking when it came to energy transition”

Anri Cohen, Technology Futures Lead Analyst - Downstream, BP Technology Futures

Executive Summary

Cisco commissioned Leading Edge Only to create their own Innovation Network to source new solutions in Cyber Security and the Internet of Things. The Network showcased only the most promising start-up innovations and was limited to just 50 startups.

The Outcome

Cisco's Network on LEO has expanded their network and connectivity to startups, which they believe will help them in the future. Many introductions have been made and Cisco are looking to partner with a number of these, with the aim to deliver new products to market.

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“Our Cisco 50 Network enabled us to both find and highlight some of the great early stage talent in the UK working in cybersecurity and the Internet of Things (IoT) sectors.”

Tom Kneen, Head Of Business Development, British Innovation Gateway (BIG), Cisco UK and Ireland

Executive Summary

Cubic Corporation commissioned Leading Edge Only to create their own Innovation Network to source innovators/experts to help them answer how Augmented Reality (AR) can help passengers using public transport or private mobility.

The Outcome

The LEO team conducted an anonymous venture in which they promoted Cubic's Challenge to their global innovation community of 100,000 innovators and experts and over 600 universities. As a result, LEO were able to provide 7 innovations and 9 experts for Cubic's Augmented Reality Transportation Challenge.

Cubic were then introduced to a number of organisations, one of which, 4 Roads, answered their brief perfectly and led to a successful collaboration.

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"LEO helped us find experts and startups that we had not previously interacted with through their meticulous approach to scouting for innovative solutions"

Niosha Kayhani, Director of Innovation, Cubic Corporation

Executive Summary

Development Partner Institute (DPI) engaged Leading Edge Only (LEO) to identify global competitors for the Mining Innovation & Research Battlefield, a high-profile platform to launch new solutions to mining's biggest challenges. The process involved 2 rounds of judging with a $25,000 research grant awarded to the winner.

The Outcome

DPI ran the Mining Innovation & Research Battlefield on LEO over a 1 month period. In that time, the LEO team sourced a total of 22 innovation applications and 4 expert applications. From the 26 applications received, 11 solutions were selected as part of Battle Round One and then 3 finalists were selected to pitch at Battle Round Two in Cape Town, South Africa. The winner, Eco-Her GreenGold, was selected at the event to receive an innovation grant of up to $25,000 USD sponsored by BHP Xplor.

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“Working with the LEO platform has given our competition an edge by helping our team gather applicants and allowing our selection panel to score them efficiently. This helped us to keep continuously evolving and innovating as the competition developed. With a global reach for applications, LEO removed barriers to entry for participants through its thoughtful design and empowered our team through great service and simple processes that delivered high impact.”

Sarah-Joy Pierce, Communications Lead, DPI

Executive Summary

Exxaro engaged Leading Edge Only (LEO) to run Innovation Challenges for them to source new experts and solutions in various areas. Exxaro have ran a total of 5 Innovation Challenges: 

1. Carbon Tracking & Tracing

2. Increasing Diesel Engine Efficiency

3. Testing the Bearing Capacity of Soil

4. Conveyor Belt Construction on Areas Prone to Subsidence

5. Geotechnical Innovations

The Outcome

Exxaro have ran 5 Challenges on LEO over a 12 month period. In that time, the LEO team have so far sourced a total of 42 new solutions and 6 experts for them.

LEO & Exxaro have co-hosted pitching sessions for these applicants, leading to multiple successful commercial conversations, with implementation into Exxaro’s core business.

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“We have been working with LEO for just over a year. Among the Open Innovation partners in our ecosystem, LEO has supplied the best solutions to our challenges. The greatest benefit that we have experienced from working with LEO is that innovations are not restricted to the typical mining ecosystem/sphere of influence, and solutions from other industries which may benefit the mining industry is also available to us through the LEO platform. The LEO team is always helpful and a pleasure to work with. I would definitely recommend LEO as an ecosystem partner for any mining company.”

Elaine Hattingh, Manager: Innovation Planning and Execution, Exxaro

Executive Summary

Fujitsu engaged Leading Edge Only (LEO) to provide innovative solutions in Sustainable Technologies within Manufacturing, Retail, Hospitality, the Public Sector, and Finance. Fujitsu were searching for solutions that were either in development (with the ability to deliver into a POC) or ready for market and supply into Northern-Western Europe.

Incorporating responsible business practices, Fujitsu aimed to push sustainability not just to their customers, but also into wider society through their multiple sector approaches.

The Outcome

A 2-week campaign was conducted, in which LEO utilised their connections within the innovation market to ask industry leaders, academics, SMEs, and Experts to submit their solutions for sustainable technologies, to the Fujitsu Network.

A total of 35 applications were received and reviewed and as a result, Fujitsu selected 5 successful applicants to participate in the Fujitsu Partner Showcase Virtual Event.

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“I’ve seen the value and benefits of taking customer challenges to LEO. Together we address business challenges by scouting for great innovators, experts and startups.” 

Kevin Collins, Co-Creation and Partner Management, Fujitsu