Nestlé Research and Development (R&D) China announced today an open innovation challenge in collaboration with Tsinghua x-lab based in Beijing, China. The challenge is expected to drive impact by leveraging China’s extensive capacity for innovation, while providing a platform for the development of potential solutions to address packaging sustainability locally.
To engage with China’s academic community, Nestlé partnered with Tsinghua x-lab, a Tsinghua University education platform which is designed to foster student creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. During the challenge, 30 students and faculty members will enter a 5-month acceleration program to identify new solutions for product packaging and business models across four areas: recyclable or reusable, e-commerce, gifting, as well as consumer education and engagement. The teams will have access to Nestlé’s R&D expertise and infrastructure at the R&D center in Beijing, including labs and prototyping facilities.
The challenge will end with a final event, where teams will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges that will include executives from Nestlé, Tsinghua University professionals and industry experts. The top three compelling ideas will be awarded prizes and the opportunity to further develop their concept in partnership with Nestlé.
Chris Pipe, Head of Nestlé R&D China said, “We are focused on strengthening collaborations with local universities to enable the innovation of products that meet local consumer demands. We are excited to bring together the experience and expertise of both Nestlé R&D and Tsinghua x-lab, to accelerate the discovery of packaging solutions in line with Nestlé’s commitment to make our packaging 100% recyclable or reusable by 2025.”
The open innovation challenge is part of Nestlé Needs YOUth intiative, which has an ambition to help 10 million young people around the world have access to economic opportunities by 2030. This supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all.
For more information see
- Nestlé launches R&D innovation challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Nestlé to accelerate innovation in China with a new R&D center
- Nestlé creates research institute for packaging to accelerate sustainability agenda
About Nestlé R&D
Nestlé has the world's largest private food and nutrition research organization, involving about 5,000 people in 23 locations worldwide, including the R&D center in Beijing, China. With nutrition at its core, Nestlé R&D is committed to make the Nestlé portfolio even tastier and healthier, to fulfil its purpose of enhancing quality of life of people and contributing to a healthier future. In 2018, Nestlé invested about CHF 1.7 billion in R&D.