Nestlé joins other food giants in attempt to woo startups

 Nestlé has announced that it is launching a new global open innovation platform called Henri@ Nestlé in order to build new partnerships with startups. The platform will expand Nestlé’s on-going activities in working with startups by building on the Silicon Valley Innovation Outpost, launched in 2013. The company believes it will help create a more effective approach to innovation, working with technology partners and early stage entrepreneurs.

Henri@Nestlé will provide an online mechanism for startups to partner with Nestlé and gain access to its geographic reach & extensive brand portfolio. Startups can submit ideas to the site, which will provide an ongoing series of business challenges on themes from digital services and sustainability to creative content and product innovation among others. Successful applicants will receive funding and the chance to partner, pilot, and scale up their solution with Nestlé.

Henri@Nestlé is due to launch at the end of June.