About Us
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 are eligible to use dedicated hot desks at The Accelerator over a defined period of time. They have access to Nestlé’s R&D expertise and infrastructure, including shared labs, kitchens, bench-scale and pilot-scale equipment.
The Accelerator is part of Nestlé’s global R&D network and located at the company’s fundamental research entity Nestlé Research, which employs around 4,000 people worldwide. It is at the heart of a unique innovation ecosystem with a high density of expertise in Food and Nutrition. This ecosystem includes several units of Nestlé’s R&D organization, leading academic institutions as well as a wide range of innovation partners, suppliers and start-ups.
Nespreneur is your gateway to Nestlé R&D Accelerator India, which will provide you with an opportunity to take your idea to shop in 6 months and kick start your entrepreneurial journey. Select a theme and submit this application form to get started. Please do not forget to add a pitch video, deck (mandatory) and product pictures (if any).
Eligibility Criteria:
- Indian students currently pursuing their under-graduation or post-graduation
- Young aspiring Indian entrepreneurs (<30 years)
- Team of maximum 4 aspiring entrepreneurs
- Commitment to work full time for 6-8 months at our R&D Centre in Manesar, India
- Preferably have not registered the start-up yet
- Go-getter attitude
What is the R+D Accelerator program?
The R+D Accelerator is an open-innovation program aimed at empowering entrepreneurs to bring food & beverage innovations to life. We invite any internal & external innovators who are passionate about food, to come together and work on disruptive products; test them with consumers; and bring them from idea to a shop shelf. And all in just 6 months!
The R+D Accelerator program is powered by Nestlé R&D (Research & Development), with the aim of bringing together the latest scientific discoveries, advances in technology and consumer “needs and wants”. It is present globally to reach all consumers, but with a specific focus on certain product categories or geographies.
The R+D Accelerator enables the development of next-level solutions across the full range of Nestlé’s business categories and beyond. We want to bring pleasure, enhance quality of life, and contribute to a healthier future.
What does the R+D Accelerator program offer?
Nestlé is the biggest food & beverage company in the world. The Accelerator program is powered by Nestlé R&D and provides full access to our infrastructure; the expertise of our scientists and engineers, who are skilled in all food science & technology areas; plus, coaching and mentorship. Program participants will also receive a co-development fund for each innovation idea that is successfully selected. During the program, entrepreneurs have a chance to connect with and be guided by leaders, potentially opening-up additional opportunities for the future.
What are the application conditions and who can join?
Everyone is welcome! Any internal or external entrepreneur who is passionate about innovation, and who loves the art and magic behind food & beverage can join the R+D Accelerator program.
You could be a Nestlé employee or an external entrepreneur; a student or a graduate; a startup with an innovative idea to bring to life, or someone who wants to grow their entrepreneurial skills. You must simply be over 18 years old. Plus, you will need to complete one of the two submission forms: “Apply for a challenge” or “Join a venture”. Submission proposals should be written in English, as English will remain the main working language for all communications on the program.
What does “mission” mean?
For students and external innovators, “mission” refers to a 6-month short-term contract that is in accordance with local work law.
For Nestlé employees, “mission” means a short-term assignment in the R&D accelerator for up to 80-100% of your working hours. Your main employee contract and salary remains with your originating function, business, or market
I do not have an innovation idea to work on, can I still join?
Of course! We welcome any motivated candidates with a pioneering spirit, desire to develop entrepreneurial skills and a readiness to shape the future of food by developing disruptive solutions. Candidates must be ready to dedicate up to 80-100% of their working time to the Accelerator program for 6 months. Simply select “Join a venture” (rather than “Apply to a challenge”) when applying.
Selected candidates will be invited to work on a project at one of our Accelerator locations and will join a team of 3 to 5 people that might include students, graduates, start-uppers, or Nestlé employees. We believe that the best results come from the complementary skills of different candidates.
Application Deadline – 10th June
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