Innovation Hub - Your Entry into the Kaufland World
The best way to the future is through innovative ideas. Here at Kaufland, we have always had a strong culture of innovation - across all areas of the business. In our search for new solutions, our doors are always open to start-ups. We want to use our new Innovation Hub to develop this collaboration even further - and to actively support and promote start-ups like yours.
Do you have an innovative product or an exciting technology in the areas of in-store retail and e-commerce that offers Kaufland added value? Whatever it is, we’re excited to hear about it.
Maybe together we could soon create the food retail market of the future.
Our Innovation Hub is aimed at start-ups that have developed product innovations or innovative technological solutions for the food retail market. Markus Speck, Head of Kaufland Digital
Our topics - for the future of Kaufland
Our future will unfold in many different areas. In principle, we are open to all ideas, but obviously there are also focus areas that are particularly relevant for us right now which you can use as a guide.
If you have a product innovation or solution relating to one of these topics or to another area and you want to share it with us, then we’d love to hear from you. The only prerequisite is that the idea should already be in use so we can test it in a maximum of three months.
We are currently looking for solutions in the following focus areas in particular:
What you’ll receive
Our Innovation Hub supports creative start-ups and makes it easier for you to break into the food retail market. In collaboration with us, we can combine new ideas with existing resources to create new solutions together for the future. Here’s what will happen when you submit an innovative retail concept or other solution to us:
- Our innovation team will check your innovation and coordinate with the responsible department.
- If this initial review is successful, your start-up will receive feedback about whether your solution has been categorized as relevant.
- If your innovation fits a current problem, we will contact you to do more detailed checks.
- Your start-up will be added to the Schwarz Group start-up database. This will also enable us to refer to it again to work on future projects together.
- Once the detailed checks have been done, we will test the innovation together in a store or within the process. A decision will then be made about whether to pursue the solution further.
Our values - for successful collaboration
Cooperation as equal partners
Quick feedback about your solution
Access to expertise and joint development of your solution
Lean pilot testing of your solution to gain experience
The joint pilot project with Kaufland not only gave us valuable feedback and enabled us to keep improving our product, but we also established a long-term collaboration. Simon Hecker, Co-Founder & Managing Director 4.screen
Do you have any questions? We are here to help you.
Do you have any other questions about our Innovation Hub for start-ups or do you just want to find out more in general? Here, you will find our frequently asked questions (FAQs) and a list of all the key information for a successful collaboration.
General questions about the Innovation Hub:
What are the prerequisites for participating in the Innovation Hub?
What are the prerequisites for participating in the Innovation Hub?
Your innovative product or your submitted solution should already be in use or be sufficiently advanced to enable a 3-6 month test listing or pilot to be carried out in the market in the foreseeable future.
Your solution should have an innovative unique selling point, ideally fit into one of our focus areas, and attach importance to quality and sustainability. Obviously, you should also be enthusiastic about your idea.
Does this apply to you and your start-up? Then go for it! Fill out the form and send us an inquiry within just 15 minutes!
How will the collaboration work?
- Present your solution to us online and join the Schwarz Group’s database of start-ups. We’ll contact you to find out about your solution in more detail.
- We’ll also be in close contact with the various Kaufland departments. If your solution fits one of our focus areas or a specific problem, we’ll launch a PoC with our specialists, where we can test your innovation under real conditions.
- The results of this PoC will determine whether we continue our collaboration. If the pilot is successful, the solution will be scaled up to other stores and countries.
We understand the innovative strength and flexibility of start-ups and will cooperate as equal partners.
You will find an overview of our focus areas here.
How long will it take to get a response to my inquiry?
Your inquiry will be submitted via the Schwarz Group’s start-up platform. You will be sent feedback within four weeks, following an initial assessment by the innovation team and the relevant department.
What does the program offer?
Once your start-up’s product or solution has proved relevant for us and we are working on a joint project together, you will be given regular feedback. However, not every start-up will be offered coaching.
Our Innovation Hub also doesn’t offer any co-working space, but you can contact Campus Founders in Heilbronn. The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation provides co-working spaces.
Does the Innovation Hub provide co-working space?
No, we don’t provide that, but you can contact Campus Founders in Heilbronn. The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation provides co-working spaces.
Does the Innovation Hub also offer special coaching?
Once your start-up’s product or solution has proved relevant for us and we are working on a joint project together, you will be given regular feedback. However, coaching isn’t offered to every start-up.
What costs can I expect?
The start-up program is completely free of charge for you, because there are benefits for both parties.
More questions?
Was your question not answered here? No problem, we’ll be happy to help you directly. Just send us an email.
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What is Kaufland Digital?
Kaufland Digital sees itself as a launching pad and driving force for the digital shopping experience of the future. Digital projects and innovations for our in-store business and Kaufland e-commerce are an important part of this and need collaboration with start-ups.
That’s why we will support you and your start-up in developing your innovation and will discuss its relevance with our departments.
