Nestlé launches R&D Accelerator

Nestlé announced its new Research and Development Accelerator based in Lausanne, Switzerland. The accelerator brings together Nestlé scientists, students and start-ups to advance science and technology with the objective to accelerate the development of innovative products and systems.

Internal, external or mixed teams have access to Nestlé’s R&D expertise and infrastructure, including shared labs, kitchens, bench-scale and pilot-scale equipment. The first teams have been selected and the accelerator will be active by the end of 2019.

The accelerator is part of Nestlé’s global R&D network is included units of Nestlé’s R&D organization, academic institutions, innovation partners, suppliers and start-ups.

“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,” said Stefan Palzer, CTO of Nestlé. “Combining our internal expertise and the deep knowledge of our academic and industrial partners with the external entrepreneurial creativity is a unique approach and will create an innovation power-house. It will accelerate the translation of innovative ideas and concepts into tangible prototypes and products.”

Nestlé has the world’s largest private food and nutrition R&D organization, involving about 4,200 people on 23 sites around the world. Switzerland remains of central importance for Nestlé, with around 60 per cent of its global R&D budget invested in the country.