Nestlé has launched a new research and development (R&D) accelerator programme, as the company aims to accelerate the development of innovative new products and systems.
Selected Nestlé scientists, students and start-ups will be able to use dedicated ‘hot desks’ at the Nestlé R&D Accelerator, and will be given access to Nestlé’s R&D expertise and infrastructure, including shared labs, kitchens, bench-scale and pilot-scale equipment.
Nestlé estimates that the unit will be operational by the end of 2019, and the first research teams already have been selected by the company.
The Nestlé R&D Accelerator is based in Lausanne, Switzerland, and forms part of Nestlé’s global R&D network. The accelerator is located at the same facility as the company’s dedicated research unit Nestlé Research, which was founded last year.
Stefan Palzer, CTO of Nestlé S.A. said: “We have taken a number of steps to accelerate innovation, including our enhanced prototyping capabilities and the funding of fast-track projects.
With the Nestlé R&D Accelerator and its proximity to our R&D and business teams, we will bring open innovation to a new level.
Combining our internal expertise and the deep knowledge of our academic and industrial partners with external entrepreneurial creativity is a unique approach and will create an innovation powerhouse.
“It will accelerate the translation of innovative ideas and concepts into tangible prototypes and products.”
A number of high-profile food and beverage companies such as Coca-Cola, Campbell’s and Mars have launched accelerator programmes over the last year, as companies aim to keep pace with changing consumer trends and habits.
The launch of the Nestlé Research unit last year aimed to address changing consumer habits by finding ways to further enhance the nutritional profiles of its products, following calls from senior figures for the company to increase its focus on health and nutrition.
In a further boost to its research operations, Nestlé inaugurated a new R&D facility in Shenzhen, China last month, which will create new food and beverage products for consumers in Asia, and will also investigate new system technologies relevant for Nestlé’s global beverage businesses.
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