Innovators Netstock, Pickle Robot win NextGen Solution Provider awards

Innovation doesn’t happen in a laboratory. It happens when new ideas solve real business problems.

That philosophy sits at the heart of the 2026 NextGen Supply Chain Conference, where three of the industry’s most innovative technology companies will be recognized during the annual NextGen Supply Chain Solution Provider Awards.

Presented during Friday morning’s general session, the awards recognize solution providers that have demonstrated measurable customer impact through intelligent technologies that improve planning, warehouse execution and operational performance. More importantly, award winners won’t simply accept a trophy—they will share with attendees how they developed their technologies, how customers are deploying them and what lessons other organizations can apply inside their own supply chains.

This year’s winners represent three very different approaches to innovation, yet all focus on helping organizations execute faster, smarter and with greater confidence.

All of the 2026 NextGen Supply Chain Conference awards, which include the End User, Solution Provider, Startup, Partnership in Execution, and Visionary, are sponsored by Zion Solutions Group.

Intelligent Transformation Award: Netstock

Netstock earned the Intelligent Transformation Award for helping small and midsize businesses modernize inventory planning through AI-driven decision support.

Integrated with more than 60 ERP systems, Netstock replaces spreadsheet-driven planning with intelligent recommendations that analyze inventory positions, supplier performance, demand signals and operational risk before stockouts or excess inventory occur.

Its Opportunity Engine has generated more than 1.4 million inventory recommendations representing more than $20 billion in potential inventory value across its customer base.

Conference attendees will hear directly from Barry Kukkuk, co-founder and chief technology officer, who will discuss how AI can help lean planning organizations make enterprise-quality decisions without requiring enterprise-sized staffs.

Autonomous Operations Award: Pickle Robot

Warehouse unloading has long been one of distribution’s most labor-intensive and physically demanding jobs.

Pickle Robot is changing that.

Winner of the Autonomous Operations Award, Pickle Robot developed an autonomous unloading system that can be deployed within minutes, integrates with existing conveyor infrastructure and requires no warehouse management system modifications.

The technology has already unloaded more than 25 million pounds of freight while helping organizations including UPS, Yusen Logistics, Ryobi Tools and Randa Apparel improve productivity, increase throughput and reduce workplace injuries.

At NextGen, Pete Blair, vice president of product and marketing, will explain how autonomous robotics are moving beyond pilots into full-scale production environments.

More than an awards ceremony

Unlike many industry awards programs, the NextGen Supply Chain Awards are designed to educate as much as recognize.

Each winning organization shares practical lessons learned, implementation strategies and measurable customer outcomes, giving attendees actionable ideas they can apply inside their own operations.

The awards complement a conference program featuring executives from organizations including Wayfair, Eli Lilly, Tractor Supply Company, Apple, Amazon, Stanford Medicine, Target, DP World, Fanatics, Evonik and many other industry leaders. Across keynote presentations, fireside chats, panel discussions and interactive Small Group Sessions, attendees will explore artificial intelligence, automation, digital transformation, workforce development and operational execution through real-world case studies.

Sponsorship opportunities continue to fill

The NextGen Supply Chain Conference continues to attract strong industry support from leading technology providers and service organizations committed to advancing supply chain innovation. Current sponsors include:

• Diamond Sponsor Zion Solutions Group
• Platinum Sponsor Gather AI
• Gold Sponsors Cycle Labs, Dematic and Geek+
• Bronzer Sponsor Verity
• Associate Sponsor AutoScheduler

Organizations interested in participating still have opportunities available, including a limited number of Gold Sponsorships.

Gold Sponsors receive a premium speaking opportunity featuring a 30-minute customer case study presented jointly with an end-user customer, allowing attendees to hear firsthand how organizations are solving today’s most pressing supply chain challenges through measurable business outcomes. With just 7 Gold sponsorship opportunities remaining, organizations interested in participating are encouraged to reserve their space soon.

Learn more about sponsorship opportunities here: https://www.nextgensupplychainconference.com/sponsors/

Join us in Nashville

The 2026 NextGen Supply Chain Conference will take place October 21-23 at the W Nashville in downtown Nashville, Tennessee.

Early-bird registration is now open, giving supply chain, logistics, procurement and operations leaders access to three days of executive education, networking and practical learning.

Organizations interested in increasing their visibility among senior supply chain decision-makers can also explore sponsorship opportunities. A limited number of Gold Sponsorships remain available, each including a 30-minute customer case study presented jointly with an end-user customer.

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