OMAHA, Neb., Nov. 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's largest
publicly traded freight railroad, Union Pacific, is tapping into
Silicon Valley to drive freight transportation innovation by
partnering with Plug and Play, the world's largest startup
accelerator and innovation center.
As an accelerator, Plug and Play helps existing start-up
companies grow with a combination of seed money, mentoring and
connections to large companies in relevant industries interested in
investing in their ideas.
Union Pacific is an anchor partner in Plug and Play's Supply
Chain Innovation Platform. Union Pacific participates in pitches
from startup companies and votes on pitches the railroad believes
can deliver the most positive impacts. The winning startups
collaborate with Union Pacific on those projects.
"Our transportation solutions help our customers compete in the
global marketplace," said Beth
Whited, Union Pacific executive vice president and chief
marketing officer. "One of the main reasons Union Pacific continues
to thrive after 155 years in business is because we are at the
leading edge of innovation. Partnering with Plug and Play will help
us remain at that forefront."
Plug and Play presented Union Pacific with a Corporate
Innovation Award at its fall summit. Union Pacific was recognized
for being an innovative and engaged partner adding collaborative
value to the Plug and Play ecosystem.
"Union Pacific's participation in our Innovation Platform has
enriched startups and other corporate partners' experience," said
Farzin Shadpour, vice president and
managing director of Plug and Play, Supply Chain. "By collaborating
with the startups and other corporate partners on technology
initiatives, Union Pacific is able to select the best that startups
have to offer to grow and lead in the 21st century."
Plug and Play and Union Pacific, along with the ecosystem's
partners will soon select a second group of startups for the Supply
Chain program.
About Union Pacific
Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union
Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most recognized
companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western
two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the
global supply chain. Over the last 10 years, from 2007-2016, Union
Pacific invested approximately $34
billion in its network and operations to support America's
transportation infrastructure. The railroad's diversified business
mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal,
Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of
the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all
major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects
with Canada's rail systems and is
the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value
to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe,
reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible
manner.
ABOUT PLUG AND PLAY
Plug and Play is a global innovation platform. We connect startups
to corporations and invest in over 150 companies every year. Since
inception in 2016, our programs have expanded worldwide to include
a presence in 26 locations globally giving startups the necessary
resources to succeed in Silicon Valley and beyond. With over 6,000
startups and 200 official corporate partners, we have created the
ultimate startup ecosystem in many industries. We provide active
investments with 200 leading Silicon Valley VCs, and host more than
365 networking events per year. Companies in our community have
raised over $6 billion in funding, with successful
portfolio exits including Danger, Dropbox, Lending Club, PayPal,
SoundHound, and Zoosk. For more information,
visit www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/supply-chain
www.up.com
www.facebook.com/unionpacific
www.twitter.com/unionpacific
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SOURCE Union Pacific