Retailers
āTransforming consumer needs into products and technologies for retailersā
2022
2025
Two key opportunities for retailers:
1ļøā£ Collaborate with startups on Proof of Concept (PoC) projects aimed at improving efficiency and addressing key retail challenges. Technology focused on:
- Reduction in Food Waste and Loss: technologies designed to minimize food waste and loss across all retail activities and customer experiences
- Circular Solutions for Food Systems: circular solutions that address critical areas such as sustainability and waste reduction
- Resilient Supply Chain: AI and digital tools
2ļøā£ Introduce new sustainable and healthy products that have been tested with real consumers.
Benefits for Retailers
SUSTAINABILITY & FOOD WASTE
- Mitigating Food Waste ā Leverage technologies and business models to optimize inventory management and reduce food waste.
- Achieving Sustainability Goals ā Implement innovative solutions aligned with regulatory requirements and corporate sustainability strategies.
- Exclusive Access to Innovation ā Discover and test cutting-edge products and technologies tailored to consumer needs.
- Unlocking the Full Potential of AI ā Explore AI-driven tools and advanced analytics to enhance efficiency and personalization.
- Real-World Data Validation ā Gain key insights from consumer testing before introducing products to the market.
- Scalability & Adaptability ā Fine-tune and optimize the integration of new products and technologies based on real-world feedback.
BUSINESS GROWTH & COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
- Cost & Margin Optimization ā Lower operational and development costs while managing shrinking profit margins.
- Reduced Innovation Risks ā Validate products and technologies before launch, minimizing commercial and operational risks.
- Direct Connection with Startups ā Access a pipeline of disruptive startups without the need for internal scouting.
- Brand Visibility & Leadership ā Strengthen your reputation as an innovation and sustainability leader.
- Competitive Differentiation ā Offer customers exclusive, first-to-market products and solutions.
- Access to Open Innovation with No Administrative Burden ā Engage in a dynamic innovation ecosystem without bureaucratic hurdles.
- Get Funded ā Receive up to ā¬15,000 per collaboration with startups to implement Proof of Concept projects and test innovations in-store.
Participation Process
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MAY
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
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JUNE
STARTUP SELECTION
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JULY onwards
PoC & PRODUCT TESTING
-
2026
MARKET INNOVATIONS
Call Guidelines 2025
You can check the published call guidelines for 2025 cohort: Retailers Call Guidelines 2025
more
Project lead
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