International | Nestlé R+D Accelerator, Bringing Innovations to Life

Nestlé has officially inaugurated its largest R+D Accelerator, located at the company's fundamental research centre in Lausanne, Switzerland.It is part of Nestlé's global R+D Accelerator network 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.The internal and external teams have full access to Nestlé's state-of-the-art infrastructure and unmatched science, technology and business expertise.

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' programme.

They can consult with Nestlé's R&D experts worldwide, 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," said Tom Wagner, Head of the Nestlé R+D Accelerator programme.

"From analytical labs, experimental kitchens, to prototyping and production facilities. We help them test their innovations in real-market conditions," he said.

Today, Nestlé's global R+D Accelerator network consists of 12 sites in eight countries.

"We combine the creativity and entrepreneurship of students, startups and intrapreneurs with Nestlé's extensive scientific and technological expertise.

"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!" said Stefan Palzer, Nestlé Chief Technology Officer.

Since 2019, 165 participants have participated in the R+D Accelerator programme and almost 80 products tested in 18 different countries.

Recent launches include the pea-based milk alternative Wunda, as well as several science-based nutritional concepts.