Shopping centre giant Intu has launched its Accelerate programme, aimed at seeking the best retail startups and developing them in a 10-week “incubation” programme.
Intu has launched a hunt for the most innovative young businesses in retail, offering the most successful start-up 10-weeks of mentoring from senior leaders across the business and tech worlds. It will also provide an opportunity to test products and alongside potential investment.
“Our business is moving at pace and, to help us answer many of the questions that face us and our industry, we‘re looking for the smartest minds out there and the best talent we can find,” Intu chief executive David Fischel said.
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“We‘re looking for businesses to work together with us to help achieve our purpose of making our customers smile and helping our retailers flourish.
“We have a history of spotting and introducing new ideas to the UK and through Intu Accelerate we want to add a new level of drive and dynamism to the evolution of our shopping centre business, whether physical or digital.
“We‘re also hoping to identify start-ups for potential investment which in turn will help us deliver a healthy return.”
The programme is being run in partnership with innovation specialists L Marks. Entrants can apply to four separate categories: enhanced retail services, the future of shopping, boost retailer productivity or wildcard.
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