The fourth edition of the Open Innovation START and CO. program, an initiative that results from the partnership between Nova School of Business & Economics (Nova SBE) and Nestlé Portugal, has officially ended with three final projects that will enter the cocreation stage.

The Open Innovation START and CO. 2022, an innovation program that results from the partnership between Nova SBE and Nestlé and selects the best national and international startups so that alongside the well-known food company, can help co-create the future in the food, nutrition, and well-being areas has selected its three startup finalists.

This edition registered one of the highest participation levels since its creation, with circa 80 applications from which 48 startups are from 23 different countries. From these, 10pple, Little One, and Shoppermotion – the three finalists – will enter the cocreation and commercial synergies stage with the Nestlé Portugal and Nestlé Spain teams.

Rui Coutinho, Executive Director of the  SBE Innovation Ecosystem, states that “(...) This partnership brings the best of three worlds together: academia, companies, and startups, and it’s a big inspiration to witness ideas and projects with so much potential being developed. This program is the materialization of what we believe and want for the Nova SBE Innovation Ecosystem.

Thirty-one pioneering projects have resulted from previous editions, which are still being accelerated and cooperating with Nestlé in new business models, digital systems, and online training academies.