Nestlé launches R & D innovation challenge in sub-Saharan Africa



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Nestlé on Monday launched an innovation challenge in sub-Saharan Africa as part of the company's efforts to contribute to the local innovation ecosystem.

The challenge will help boost the local entrepreneurial spirit and provide a platform for start-ups and universities to contribute to sustainable local growth by bringing innovative ideas to market.

The challenge of innovation in R & D will also take place in Côte d 'Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa.

The goal is to collaborate with start-up companies and universities to identify sustainable and scalable scientific and technological solutions that accelerate the innovation of products that meet the needs of local consumers.

The challenge of innovation in R & D requires innovative solutions in four areas: environmentally friendly packaging solutions, sustainable cocoa seedlings, affordable nutrition and new marketing channels. .

Stefan Palzer, Nestlé's Technical Director, said, "A growing number of local entrepreneurs and researchers based in Africa have creative ideas to solve the problems their communities are facing. This innovation challenge in R & D provides our company with an exceptional opportunity to leverage exceptional creativity while helping to realize the most promising ideas. "

In order to engage with local start-ups, Nestlé has partnered with Kinaya Ventures as part of the Spring Scholarship Program, designed to accelerate business start-up partnerships and catalyze digital entrepreneurship.

The challenge also calls on universities in Central and West African countries to submit solutions.

Philomena Tan, general manager of Nestle Ghana, said at a press conference in Accra to launch the multi-country touring tour: "Through multi-stakeholder collaboration via innovation, research and development. Scientific development backed by the right resources and the necessary commitment, local consumers' needs such as affordable nutrition, sustainable agricultural products and environmentally friendly packaging are achievable. "

She encouraged start-up companies and university students to participate in the innovation challenge.

The selected teams will participate in an acceleration program to advance and potentially commercialize their ideas. During the accelerator, start-up teams and university teams will have access to Nestlé's research and development expertise and infrastructure at the research and development center in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, including shared labs, kitchens and pilot test equipment. At the end of the accelerator, teams will have the opportunity to present their proof of concept to Nestlé management.

The champion of innovation and renovation and Dominique Allier, responsible for Nestlé's culinary affairs in West and West Africa, stressed the importance of the challenge of the company. 39; innovation. We have launched the challenge of innovation in research and development, which will cover the six to further accelerate the innovation that is essential to achieving Nestlé's goal of "To improve the quality of life and contribute to a healthier future".

The innovation challenge in R & D is part of Nestlé's Global Youth Initiative, which aims to help 10 million young people around the world access economic opportunities by 2030. This supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and competitiveness. decent work for all.

In 2018, Nestlé also partners with Ashoka and the Development and Cooperation Department to create the social investment accelerator, which accelerates social entrepreneurship and boosts economic development. from Africa.

About Nestlé R & DNestlé is the largest private research organization on food and nutrition in the world. It has about 5,000 people in thirty or so R & D centers, including the R & D center in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire), which opened in 2008. Nestlé R & D is committed to Make the Nestlé portfolio even tasty and healthier, to fulfill its goal of improving the quality of people's lives and contributing to a healthier future. In 2018, Nestlé invested around CHF 1.7 billion in R & D.

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