An incubator tailor made to the needs of start-ups

Givaudan plans to initiate a start-up incubator in its new Zurich Incubation Center – but only if there is a real need. To find the answer to this question Givaudan has launched a “Call for Interest”. Start-ups can explain their needs and interests in a potential incubator to the corporation.

Givaudan is investing in a new innovation centre close to Zurich, a CHF 120 million investment demonstrating its commitment to provide innovative solutions in the flavour and fragrance industry. The new centre for innovation, anticipated to open in 2019, will use the latest in design and collaboration technologies to stimulate creativity and interaction between diverse functions and teams in both Flavours and Fragrances, tapping into the broader community of innovators located on-site. Its innovative research areas will span from organic chemistry, naturals such as fermentation and biocatalysis, to flavour creation and application science, as well as delivery systems. 

Lab space and interaction with scientists and customers
In this context Givaudan considers to create around the campus an inspiring eco-system to foster science and innovation in the wider fields of taste, smell and beauty. To help start-up companies active in this field to succeed and to develop their business idea to commercial reality, Givaudan plans to offer lab and office space at attractive conditions, certainly interesting for an early stage start-up. The close by Innovation Center will allow for an interaction with Givaudan’s scientists and development experts. Access to the consumer research capabilities as well as to the customers of the corporation and coaching/mentoring could also be included in the offering.

Start-up entrepreneurs that fit in the profile of the Innovation Center can use a form on a dedicated website to describe their companies and their needs and interest. Givaudan will get personally in touch with all these start-ups in order to find out more about their business, their motivation to collaborate with Givaudan and their interests and needs in a potential incubator. All submitted forms will be evaluated and based on the interest level the Givaudan management will decided about next steps.

About Givaudan
Givaudan is the global leader in the creation of flavours and fragrances. In close collaboration with food, beverage, consumer product and fragrance partners, Givaudan develops tastes and scents that delight consumers the world over. With a passion to understand consumers’ preferences and a relentless drive to innovate, Givaudan is at the forefront of creating flavours and fragrances that ‘engage your senses’. The Company achieved sales of CHF 4.7 billion in 2016. Headquartered in Switzerland with local presence in over 95 locations, the Company has more than 10,000 employees worldwide.

(SK)