In this series, New Hope Network covers the ins and outs of accelerators and incubators across the United States that provide mentorship, funds and resources to help grow natural businesses. Here, a Nestlé spokesperson provides insight into the Nestlé R&D Accelerator program.

What: Nestlé R&D Accelerator, based in Lausanne, Switzerland; participating teams gain access to Nestlé’s R&D expertise and infrastructure, including labs and equipment.
When: Projects typically run six months, and applications are rolling.

When are applications open?

Applications can be sent anytime to nestleR&[email protected].

What types of companies do you assist?

The Nestlé R&D Accelerator brings together startups, Nestlé scientists and students.

What’s your mission in doing this work?

Nestlé's mission is to support innovative ideas with our unmatched expertise and infrastructure, and bring a project from idea to market test in six months.

What attributes are you looking for in applicants?

The Nestlé R&D Accelerator is supporting young talents in the area of food and nutrition innovation with disruptive ideas based on new technologies or trends.

The teams bring together entrepreneurial mindset, complementary profiles and experience, as well as the creative, organizational, analytical and technical skills required to manage a fast-moving project.

What is your favorite project to have come out of your accelerator?

Drop of Life is a nutritionally balanced fruit juice shot designed to support the vegetarian lifestyle and prevent potential vitamin and mineral deficiencies.