Nestlé has opened its largest R+D Accelerator in Lausanne, Switzerland, part of a network of accelerators launched in 2019.
The R+D Accelerator provides a unique platform for startups, students, and Nestlé intrapreneurs to bring highly differentiated innovations to the market fast. Using early trends, differentiating technologies, and scientific discoveries as sources of inspiration, the teams develop innovative product solutions in a six-month immersive 'idea to shop' program.
Accelerator participants can consult with Nestlé's R&D experts from around the world such as food technologists, nutritionists, regulatory and food safety experts, designers, and packaging experts. Each team also receives hands-on support from dedicated innovation coaches and mentoring from Nestlé's senior management.
"We give internal and external entrepreneurs full access to all the expertise and infrastructure they need to translate their idea into a product – from analytical labs, experimental kitchens, to prototyping and production facilities – and we help them test their innovations in real-market conditions,” said Tom Wagner, head of the Nestlé R+D Accelerator program, in a statement.
The newly inaugurated site that is embedded at Nestlé's research facilities in Lausanne accelerates the translation of fundamental science into cross-category innovations. It features a variety of co-working stations, prototyping kitchens, and mini-production facilities. It can host up to 10 teams simultaneously.
"At our R+D Accelerators we combine creativity and entrepreneurship with Nestlé's extensive scientific and technological expertise,” said Stefan Palzer, Nestlé chief technology officer, in a statement. “The initiative creates learning opportunities for both internal and external talents, builds competencies and fosters an entrepreneurial culture across our sites. It is great to see the passion and excitement of the teams as they go from an idea to a test launch in just a few months, overcoming many different challenges along the way.”
Since 2019, 165 participants have participated in the R+D Accelerator program and almost 80 products have been tested in 18 countries. Recent launches include the pea-based milk alternative Wunda, as well as a number of science-based nutritional concepts.
Related: Nestlé Uses Banza Pasta in New Offerings; Nestlé Acquires Essentia Water.
Image: Nestlé