A list of corporate research labs that may be of interest for students and graduates to explore.
Below is a list of research labs operating in a range of industry sectors. Included in each description is a link to "Search for Jobs" that usually leads to the company's current job listings for full-time positions and internships.
(Note: Lab descriptions have been generated by ChatGPT-4 using the prompt: "In one paragraph, tell me about LAB XYZ. Please include information about its location and founding date, if possible.")
HP Labs is the esteemed central research organization for HP Inc. (formerly Hewlett-Packard), responsible for delivering breakthrough technologies and driving business innovations that will shape the company's future growth. Founded in 1966, and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, HP Labs has been at the forefront of computing and printing technologies for decades. As the birthplace of many key technological advancements, HP Labs focuses on conducting research that spans hardware, software, services, and IT infrastructure. Renowned for its contributions to HP's development of personal computing devices, 3D printing, and digital manufacturing, HP Labs is a key player in ensuring HP remains competitive in a rapidly advancing tech landscape, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in imaging, quantum computing, and sustainable IT infrastructure.
Alphabet X, formerly known as Google X, is the secretive research and development facility of Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google. Founded in 2010 and located near Alphabet's corporate headquarters in Mountain View, California, X is a so-called ""moonshot factory"" where ambitious, long-term projects are pursued. The facility is designed to be a breeding ground for revolutionary innovations that have the potential to solve the world's most pressing problems with breakthrough technology. It's where projects like Waymo (self-driving cars), Google Brain (deep learning), and Loon (internet-beaming balloons) were incubated. X prides itself on a radical approach to innovation, tackling enormous challenges with an eye towards the future, and working on solutions that could potentially affect billions of people.
The Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), situated in Palo Alto, California, is a renowned research and development company and a subsidiary of Xerox Corporation. Founded in 1970, PARC has been a crucible of innovation, famous for pioneering contributions to the computer industry, such as the development of the graphical user interface (GUI), the mouse, laser printing, and Ethernet networking. As a multidisciplinary research hub, PARC continues to be at the forefront of discovery and innovation in areas including printing technologies, digital manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interaction. Its collaborative ecosystem that engages with various industries and academic fields has positioned PARC as a driving force behind some of the most transformative technological advancements of the last half-century.
Microsoft Research Lab, established in 1991, is a division of Microsoft charged with conducting both basic and applied research in computer science and software engineering. Headquartered in Redmond, Washington, the lab is globally recognized and operates with additional facilities around the world, including labs in the UK, Asia, and India. It's a powerhouse of innovation, where researchers collaborate freely across disciplines to explore new theories and applications, advancing computing through research in fields such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interaction. Its contributions have played a significant role in shaping the course of computing in multiple industries, and the technologies developed at Microsoft Research have been integrated into Microsoft products and services used by millions worldwide.
SRI International (SRI) is an American nonprofit scientific research institute and organization headquartered in Menlo Park, California. The trustees of Stanford University established SRI in 1946 as a center of innovation to support economic development in the region.
The organization was founded as the Stanford Research Institute. SRI formally separated from Stanford University in 1970 and became known as SRI International in 1977. SRI performs client-sponsored research and development for government agencies, commercial businesses, and private foundations. It also licenses its technologies, forms strategic partnerships, sells products, and creates spin-off companies. SRI's headquarters are located near the Stanford University campus.
The Autodesk Technology Centers catalyze new possibilities for making through the power of connection. We bring together a global network of innovation leaders, data-enabled fabrication workshops, curated experiences, and forward-thinking ideas to empower innovators in achieving the new possible, together.
The organizations and teams who engage with the Autodesk Technology Centers conduct speculative and industry-applied work pertaining to design and make. From start-ups and customers, to academics, industry teams and groups within Autodesk, our residents are leaders with a passion for accelerating and researching design and make processes in a myriad of industries.
TCS Innovation Labs, part of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), represent the company's global network dedicated to research and innovation, established to address the evolving needs of businesses through pioneering IT solutions and services. Since the inception of the first TCS Innovation Lab in 1981, TCS has expanded these facilities across the world, with labs located in India, United States, United Kingdom, and other regions. These labs are instrumental in driving the company's technology breakthroughs and have a wide focus area including artificial intelligence, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and automation. TCS Innovation Labs work closely with customers, academic institutions, and research bodies, ensuring that the developments made are not only cutting-edge but also pragmatic and relevant to industry needs.
Oracle Labs, the research and development branch of Oracle Corporation, is focused on applied research for cutting-edge technologies that contribute to Oracle's product offerings. The primary mission of Oracle Labs is to identify, explore, and transfer new technologies that have the potential to substantially improve Oracle's business. Oracle Labs was formed as a result of Oracle's acquisition of Sun Microsystems in 2010, which included Sun Labs, originally established in 1990. While Oracle Corporation is headquartered in Redwood Shores, California, Oracle Labs operates globally with several locations, including labs in the United States, Australia, Europe, and Asia. The lab works on projects across a wide spectrum of fields from data management and analytics to security and machine learning, aiming to address critical challenges and drive future innovations.
IBM Research, founded in 1945, is one of the world's largest industrial research organizations, known for its pioneering work in information technology and innovation. Headquartered in Yorktown Heights, New York, IBM Research has a global presence with labs in multiple countries. It focuses on conducting groundbreaking research in a wide range of fields, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, blockchain, and materials science, among others. With a rich history of inventing and developing transformative technologies, IBM Research has been responsible for numerous breakthroughs, such as the invention of the hard disk drive, the development of the first computer programming language, and the creation of the Watson AI system, shaping the course of computing and technology advancements worldwide.
Philips Design is the global design and innovation division of Royal Philips, a company renowned for its contributions to healthcare, consumer lifestyle, and lighting solutions. Founded in 1925, Philips Design is headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, and operates internationally. It plays a pivotal role in shaping Philips' products and services, with a focus on creating meaningful, user-centric experiences across a wide spectrum of industries. Philips Design collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, drawing on expertise in industrial design, user experience design, and healthcare design to innovate and enhance the lives of people through impactful design solutions, particularly in the domains of healthcare, lighting, and home appliances.
Amazon Lab126, founded in 2004, is a research and development subsidiary of Amazon.com, Inc., specializing in cutting-edge consumer electronics innovation. Located in Sunnyvale, California, Lab126 has been instrumental in creating a range of Amazon devices, including the Kindle e-reader, Amazon Echo smart speakers, Fire tablets, and more. The lab is known for its focus on user-centric design and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology to deliver seamless and intuitive experiences to consumers. Lab126's work has had a significant impact on the way we interact with technology in our daily lives, particularly in the realm of e-readers, voice-activated assistants, and connected devices.
Cisco's Global Co-Innovation Centers are collaborative environments where Cisco partners with industry, academia, and governments to foster innovation through the combination of Cisco's technology leadership and regional and market expertise. These centers act as hubs for researchers, startups, and established businesses to work on new technology applications and solve specific industry challenges. The first such center was launched in Germany in 2015. Since then, Cisco has established several others around the world, including in locations such as Toronto, Tokyo, Berlin, and Sydney, among others. The centers' activities are diverse, spanning from developing smart city solutions to advancing cybersecurity and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, each tailored to address the unique demands of their regional markets and sectors.
NortonLifeLock Research Group, previously known as Symantec Research Labs prior to the company's rebranding, is the global research division of NortonLifeLock Inc., a leading company in cyber safety and security solutions. This group is dedicated to pioneering advanced technologies to help protect consumers and organizations from security threats. While specific information about the founding date of the research group within the context of NortonLifeLock is not readily available, Symantec itself was founded in 1982, and the research wing has been an integral part of the organization for many years, evolving with the company's changes. The group operates in various locations where NortonLifeLock has a presence, with significant research and development activities in the United States. Their work encompasses a broad range of security-related topics, including threat detection, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and security analytics, reflecting NortonLifeLock's commitment to staying ahead of the constantly changing threat landscape.
SAP Co-Innovation Lab (COIL) facilitates project-based co-innovation with members of the SAP Partner Ecosystem. Founded in 2007, COIL enhances the capabilities of SAP's partner companies by providing them with access to SAP's technical resources and subject matter experts. The lab's environment allows partners, SAP, and sometimes customers to work collaboratively to develop new solutions or to extend existing ones. The initiative has grown substantially, with locations spanning across the globe in regions such as North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. These labs are strategically situated in tech hubs around the world, including Silicon Valley, which was the site of the first COIL, as well as in Germany, India, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and South Africa. Through COIL, SAP fosters an innovative ecosystem where the development of prototypes, integration scenarios, and best practices can be conducted, aiming to create business value and drive technological advancements.
The Dell EMC HPC (High Performance Computing) & AI (Artificial Intelligence) Innovation Lab was established in 2015 and is located in Austin, Texas. The lab serves as a hub of innovation and testing for HPC and AI technologies. It is a key part of Dell Technologies’ global network of similar labs, and it focuses on research, development, and innovation in computational sciences. The lab not only showcases Dell EMC’s commitment to advancing high-performance computing and artificial intelligence but also allows for hands-on exploration and the development of new technologies in collaboration with customers and partners. The facility provides access to the latest Dell HPC and AI systems for proof-of-concept testing, benchmarking, optimization of HPC and AI applications, and demonstrations of Dell’s HPC and AI solutions. With this lab, Dell EMC aims to accelerate the adoption of these advanced computing solutions across various scientific and industry domains.
AT&T Labs Research is the research division of AT&T, known for its influential contributions to computer networking and telecommunications. The origin of AT&T's research division dates back to the establishment of Bell Labs in 1925, which became AT&T Bell Laboratories and eventually evolved into AT&T Labs after the breakup of the Bell System. AT&T Labs Research has several locations, with its headquarters in Middletown, New Jersey, and prominent facilities in locations such as Bedminster, NJ, and New York City. The organization is renowned for its work in areas such as data science, networking, and IP-based communication services, and it continues the legacy of innovation from its Bell Labs heritage, boasting numerous scientific breakthroughs and technological advancements that have shaped the fabric of modern communications.
The AT&T Foundry is a network of innovation centers operated by AT&T with the aim of fostering collaboration and driving the rapid development of new technologies, applications, and services. Launched in 2011, the AT&T Foundry operates multiple facilities, including locations in Palo Alto, California; Plano, Texas; and Atlanta, Georgia, among others. These centers facilitate the co-creation process with startups, technology providers, and enterprise customers by providing the environment and resources necessary to transform ideas into market-ready products, often focusing on areas such as the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G networks, and cybersecurity. The Foundry reflects AT&T's commitment to innovation and its strategy to partner with external entities to stay at the forefront of technological advancements in the telecommunications and digital services sectors.
Verizon 5G Labs are innovation hubs established by Verizon to promote the development and application of 5G wireless technology. While the exact founding date is not specified, Verizon's push into 5G has been evident since the technology's inception, with significant strides made in the late 2010s. These labs are located in various cities across the United States, including New York City, Washington D.C., Cambridge (Massachusetts), and the San Francisco Bay Area, among others. The labs serve as collaborative spaces where startups, academics, companies, and government agencies can come together to explore and create new 5G applications and experiences. They focus on areas such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, autonomous vehicles, and other sectors that can significantly benefit from 5G's low latency and high-speed capabilities. Verizon 5G Labs aim to demonstrate the transformative potential of 5G technology and drive its ecosystem forward.
Nokia Bell Labs, originally established as Bell Telephone Laboratories in 1925, serves as the industrial research and scientific development company of Nokia following the acquisition of Alcatel-Lucent in 2016. Its headquarters are in Murray Hill, New Jersey, USA, with additional locations around the world. This storied institution has a legacy of innovation in telecommunications, evidenced by its researchers' numerous Nobel Prizes and pioneering developments in fields such as radio astronomy, the transistor, the laser, information theory, and the Unix operating system, among others. Today, Nokia Bell Labs continues to conduct research in various domains including material sciences, data networking, and quantum computing, maintaining its long-standing mission to solve complex industry problems and create new, disruptive technologies.
Vodafone Innovation Park Labs, located in Düsseldorf, Germany, is Vodafone's dedicated research and development facility, launched in 2012. The lab serves as a testbed for new telecommunications technologies, including mobile and fixed-line networks. It is designed to simulate a real-world telecom environment where Vodafone can validate products and services before they go to market, ensuring quality and performance. With a focus on 5G, IoT, and other next-generation network technologies, the labs are pivotal in Vodafone's efforts to innovate within the fast-evolving digital landscape, testing everything from network equipment and devices to applications and services that can enrich the customer experience and enable smart, connected solutions for consumers and businesses alike.
Telekom Innovation Laboratories (T-Labs), situated in Berlin, Germany, is the central research and innovation division of Deutsche Telekom, one of the world's leading integrated telecommunications companies. Founded in 2004, T-Labs stands as a collaboration between Deutsche Telekom and various academic institutions, including the Berlin University of Technology. T-Labs operates as a key player in driving innovation in ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) through projects that span fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain, and the future of work. As an incubator for digital innovation, T-Labs not only serves to advance Deutsche Telekom's technology and service offerings but also aims to contribute to the broader tech community by transforming research results into practical applications and new business opportunities.
Huawei Wireless X Labs, located in Shenzhen, China, is part of Huawei's commitment to pioneering future wireless technologies. Established in 2016, X Labs is designed as an open innovation platform to develop leading-edge wireless applications by focusing on the exploration of future use cases for 5G networks and beyond. It brings together operators, industry stakeholders, and partners from various sectors, including smart manufacturing, health care, automotive, and home Internet of Things (IoT), to collaborate on research and incubate wireless applications. The goal is to create a rich ecosystem that can drive the wireless industry forward and unlock new opportunities made possible by next-generation wireless technologies.
Visa's global network of Innovation Centers serves as collaborative spaces designed to bring together Visa's clients and partners to co-create the future of commerce and payments. The first of these centers was launched in San Francisco in 2014. Since then, Visa has expanded its Innovation Center footprint to several locations worldwide, including Dubai, Miami, Singapore, London, and Tel Aviv, among others. These centers are part of Visa's larger strategy to open up its network and foster co-creation with clients and partners through insights, tools, and expertise that can help turn new ideas into commercial realities. Within these spaces, participants can engage with Visa's technologists and business leaders to explore new payment and commerce experiences, harnessing technologies such as blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and biometrics to create solutions that improve and streamline the consumer journey.
Fidelity Labs is the innovation and emerging technology branch of Fidelity Investments, one of the world's largest financial services providers. Established in 1998, Fidelity Labs is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and serves as an incubator for new ideas and an accelerator for breakthrough developments in financial technology. The lab explores, prototypes, and tests new products and business models in areas like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and virtual reality to improve customer experiences and expand Fidelity's range of services. By fostering a culture of continuous innovation, Fidelity Labs helps the parent company navigate the rapidly changing landscape of digital finance and investment.
The JPMorgan Chase Financial Solutions Lab (FinLab) is a collaborative effort by JPMorgan Chase and the Center for Financial Services Innovation (CFSI) that was launched in 2014. While specific location details are not commonly highlighted, as the lab focuses on national initiatives, its operations are inherently linked to JPMorgan Chase's headquarters in New York City. FinLab's mission is to identify, test, and bring to scale promising innovations that help Americans increase savings, improve credit, and build assets. By leveraging the expertise and resources of its partners, the lab provides capital, technical assistance, and connections to industry leaders to help entrepreneurs and innovators develop financial products and services that align with the financial health of consumers, particularly those with low to moderate incomes. The lab's work involves competitions, virtual programs, and structured events that challenge and support fintech developers and entrepreneurs in creating impactful financial solutions.
Citi's D10X program, an initiative of Citi Ventures, was established to foster the creation of new digital businesses within Citigroup. Launched around 2015, the D10X program encourages employees within Citi to validate and grow startup ideas into scalable businesses, following a methodology similar to that used by startups and venture capitalists. While Citi is headquartered in New York, the D10X program operates globally across the company's offices, leveraging Citi’s vast resources to spur innovation in financial services. It’s designed to uncover new business opportunities that meet clients' emerging needs and stay ahead in the fast-evolving fintech landscape. Through this program, Citi aims to bring outside-in thinking and cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship within one of the world’s largest financial institutions.
Capital One Lab is Capital One's experimental product and technology arm, focused on innovating in the financial services sector through human-centered design and cutting-edge technology. Established in 2011, Capital One Labs operates out of multiple locations, with labs in San Francisco, New York, and Arlington, Virginia. The lab acts as an incubator for new ideas and a testing ground for advanced digital financial products and services. By combining the agility and mindset of a startup with the considerable resources of a large bank, Capital One Lab works to create breakthroughs in the customer experience and transform the banking landscape, reflecting Capital One's commitment to innovation and digital transformation in the finance industry.
Deutsche Bank's Innovation Network is part of the bank's strategic initiative to stay at the forefront of digitalization and technological advancement within the financial services industry. While the exact founding date of the Innovation Network itself is not widely publicized, the network aligns with Deutsche Bank's innovation strategy, which has been gaining momentum since the early 2010s. This network spans several innovation labs globally, with locations in Berlin, London, and Silicon Valley, which were established starting from around 2015. These labs collaborate with startups, corporates, and fintechs to drive the development and implementation of cutting-edge technologies across the bank's businesses, including areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, and other digital banking solutions. The aim is to harness these technologies to improve products and services for Deutsche Bank’s clients and to optimize internal processes.
Mastercard Foundry is Mastercard's global research and development arm, created to innovate across the digital payment ecosystem and beyond. Though the specific date of its founding is not widely advertised, Mastercard's focus on innovation has been a long-standing priority, and the Foundry represents a consolidation and expansion of these efforts. Headquartered in Purchase, New York, Mastercard Foundry encompasses all the company’s R&D initiatives, including Mastercard Labs, which was established in 2010. It is a place where ideas are turned into tangible solutions through experimentation and collaboration with partners and fintech innovators. The Foundry works on a multitude of projects, from enhancing payment technologies to exploring blockchain applications and creating inclusive growth opportunities. Mastercard Foundry's efforts demonstrate the company’s dedication to leading the charge in the evolution of digital payments and financial services globally.
Synechron FinLabs are the innovation centers of Synechron, a global consulting and technology organization offering services to the financial services industry. The FinLabs serve as a network of financial innovation labs where Synechron collaborates with banks, asset managers, and insurance companies to accelerate digital strategies through its leading-edge financial innovation labs. Founded in 2001, Synechron has since spread its presence globally, and the FinLabs, launched in various key financial hubs around the world, including New York, Charlotte, London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Pune, and Hyderabad, focus on building blockchain, artificial intelligence, and InsurTech applications to advance the digital transformation of the financial services industry. Through these labs, Synechron aims to bridge the gap between business needs and the latest technologies, fostering innovation to drive competitive advantage for its clients.
Goldman Sachs GS Accelerate is an internal innovation incubator established in 2018 to foster the development of new business ventures within the firm. Although Goldman Sachs is headquartered in New York City, GS Accelerate operates across the company's global offices. The program aims to identify and invest in promising ideas proposed by the firm's employees and provide them with the necessary capital, expertise, and support to bring these ideas to market. By doing so, GS Accelerate seeks to drive innovation across the company's diverse business lines, embracing a culture of entrepreneurship and ensuring that Goldman Sachs remains at the leading edge of financial services innovation. Through this initiative, the firm cultivates an environment where transformative projects can be pursued, contributing to the long-term growth and evolution of the company.
The Coca-Cola KOLab Collaboration Center, designed to be an innovative space for the company's marketing team to collaborate with external partners like Google and Facebook, was opened in January 2019 in the company's headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. This lab is part of Coca-Cola's broader strategy to inject agility and fresh ideas into its marketing efforts and product development, reflecting a commitment to staying culturally and technologically relevant in a rapidly evolving consumer landscape. At KOLab, Coca-Cola's marketing professionals and its partners work together on data analysis, rapid prototyping, and social media engagement strategies, aiming to harness creativity and emerging digital tools to craft marketing campaigns that resonate with consumers on a global scale.
PepsiCo Design & Innovation is a central hub within PepsiCo, dedicated to driving innovation across all of the company’s brands through design thinking and collaboration. Founded in 2012 under the leadership of Mauro Porcini, PepsiCo's first Chief Design Officer, the design center is headquartered in New York City. This initiative underscores the importance of design in creating consumer experiences that are emotionally engaging and strategically relevant. It brings together designers from various disciplines to push the boundaries of what's possible in food and beverage packaging, product innovation, brand identity, and user experiences. Through this approach, PepsiCo Design & Innovation aims to enhance brand narratives and catalyze growth by intimately connecting the company with culture and consumers around the globe.
Nestlé launched its R&D Accelerator based in Lausanne, Switzerland, in April 2019, situated within its research and development center. The Accelerator is designed to bring together start-ups, students, and scientists to advance scientific research and create innovative products and systems. This initiative reflects Nestlé's commitment to fast-track the development of innovative, sustainable products that tap into current trends and meet evolving consumer demands. Participants in the Accelerator have access to Nestlé's extensive R&D expertise, infrastructure, and tools to take their ideas from concept to test market. Through this program, Nestlé aims to foster a dynamic environment that encourages entrepreneurial thinking and agile product development, ensuring that the company remains at the cutting edge of the global food and beverage industry.
The General Mills Worldwide Innovation Network (G-WIN) is an open innovation initiative launched by General Mills in 2007. Though General Mills is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, G-WIN is not confined to a single location; it operates as a global platform. This program was created to foster partnerships with innovators outside the company, including suppliers, customers, inventors, and academics, to drive product innovation and business development. G-WIN's goal is to accelerate growth by combining the company's scale and food expertise with external insights and technologies. By working collaboratively, General Mills aims to develop new products, improve processes, and find solutions to technical challenges, ultimately enhancing its product offerings and sustaining its competitive edge in the marketplace.
SPACE10 is a research and design lab based in Copenhagen, Denmark, dedicated to creating better and more sustainable ways of living. It was founded in November 2015 and functions as an independent innovation lab supported by IKEA, the Swedish home furnishings giant. SPACE10's mission is to investigate the future of urban living by detecting major challenges that will impact people globally and exploring possible solutions. The lab operates across a variety of disciplines and has delved into projects ranging from reimagining the future of food, exploring the possibilities of autonomous vehicles, to looking at the application of disruptive technologies in the home. SPACE10 acts as a futuristic think-tank, design hub, and exhibition space, all rolled into one, and its work is aimed at ensuring that IKEA can continue to deliver on its vision to create a better everyday life for the many people.
The Home Depot Innovation Center is a dedicated facility where The Home Depot explores and tests new technologies and innovations aimed at improving customer service and operational efficiency. This center, which signifies the company's commitment to staying at the forefront of retail and home improvement technology, is based in Austin, Texas. It was established in June 2015 and is located at The University of Texas at Austin’s Technology Incubator. The center focuses on developing cutting-edge capabilities, from enhancing the online shopping experience to exploring advancements in logistics and supply chain. It serves as a hub for collaboration with vendors, start-ups, and tech innovators, embodying The Home Depot's investment in creating the future of retail through innovative solutions.
Lululemon Lab is a concept space created by the athletic apparel brand Lululemon Athletica, serving as both a retail store and an innovation lab. It was originally founded in Vancouver, Canada in 2009 and has since expanded to include a location in New York City, which opened in 2016. The Lululemon Lab serves as a design incubator that blurs the lines between fashion and function, creating limited-edition, experimental apparel lines and serving as a creative space where designers can interact directly with the customers who use their products. It's part of Lululemon's broader strategy to innovate beyond traditional retail boundaries, focusing on the integration of style, performance, and the evolving lifestyle needs of their customers. The Lab's unique approach to apparel aims to push the boundaries of Lululemon's design practices and fuel the brand's larger product development pipeline.
Walmart Global Tech, which is the technology and innovation arm of Walmart Inc., spearheads the retail giant's efforts in digital transformation. While Walmart has been investing in technology for many years, Walmart Global Tech was formally branded as such in September 2020, symbolizing the organization's consolidated commitment to lead in the retail tech space. Headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, where Walmart itself was founded, Walmart Global Tech also operates from several global hubs, including San Bruno, California; Reston, Virginia; and Bangalore, India. This division is focused on using machine learning, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and other emerging technologies to enhance the shopping experience for both in-store and online customers, improve operational efficiencies, and create seamless integration across its physical and digital platforms, ensuring Walmart remains a dominant player in the competitive, tech-driven retail landscape.
The Sephora Innovation Lab, founded in 2015, is Sephora's hub for the creation and development of cutting-edge retail technologies. Located in San Francisco, close to Silicon Valley's tech community, the lab is strategically positioned to tap into the latest trends and tech talent. The Innovation Lab's mandate is to cultivate and trial new technologies and digital tools that can be translated into improved shopping experiences for Sephora's customers both online and in stores. Among its notable developments, the lab has been instrumental in pioneering augmented reality and virtual try-on tools, allowing customers to preview products on their own images via digital platforms. These initiatives reflect Sephora's commitment to staying at the forefront of the beauty retail industry by continuously enhancing customer engagement and personalization through technology.
Kohl’s Innovation Center, which includes the Kohl’s Digital Center, is a state-of-the-art facility that represents the company’s commitment to digital advancement and technological innovation. Opened in 2015, the center is located in Milpitas, California, strategically positioned in the heart of Silicon Valley to leverage the region's rich technology resources and talent pool. The Kohl’s Digital Center focuses on developing seamless omnichannel capabilities, enhancing the retail experience through digital solutions, and accelerating the company's e-commerce growth. This effort is part of Kohl’s broader strategy to become an industry-leading omnichannel retailer, using the Digital Center as a launchpad for new digital initiatives that aim to provide a more personalized and interconnected shopping journey for its customers.
Kohl’s Innovation Center, established in 2015, is a testament to Kohl's dedication to advancement and innovation, serving as the company’s think tank for new retail technologies. Situated in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, close to Kohl's corporate headquarters, the Innovation Center occupies a space of 52,000 square feet designed to foster collaboration and creativity among team members. The center is the brain behind Kohl's digital transformation efforts, driving innovation in the customer shopping experience both online and in-store. Its focus ranges from improving the company's mobile shopping platform to integrating state-of-the-art technology in its brick-and-mortar stores, aiming to blend digital growth with physical retail. The Kohl’s Innovation Center plays a crucial role in ensuring the company remains relevant in a rapidly evolving retail landscape, by nurturing ideas that are essential for future growth and customer satisfaction.
Lowe's Innovation Labs were first announced in 2014 as the disruptive innovation hub of Lowe's Companies, Inc., aimed at reimagining the future of home improvement retail through technology. The labs operate out of Lowe's headquarters in Mooresville, North Carolina, and they have additional outposts in unexpected locations to foster creative solutions and outside-the-box thinking. Lowe's Innovation Labs are known for developing groundbreaking initiatives, such as the Holoroom Test Drive, an augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experience that helps customers visualize and experience products before purchasing, and the use of robots to assist with in-store customer service. These ventures underscore Lowe's commitment to leveraging emerging technologies to create unique shopping experiences, enhance employee performance, and drive business efficiencies.
Tesco Labs is Tesco's dedicated arm for innovation and future technology, which was established around 2012, building on the retailer's history of embracing new technology and innovation. The lab is based in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, in the United Kingdom, close to Tesco's head office. Tesco Labs serves as a space where the company experiments with digital technologies to enhance the shopping experience for customers, improve operational efficiency, and remain competitive in the rapidly evolving retail sector. Initiatives from Tesco Labs range from developing smartphone apps and exploring the potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) for smart kitchens to investigating the uses of augmented reality for retail. This focus on innovation helps Tesco to continue to drive forward in a market where technology is increasingly pivotal to retail success.
DuPont Innovation Centers, which have been a key element of the company's global innovation strategy, are a network of collaborative spaces designed to connect DuPont scientists and engineers with customers, governments, and academia to develop solutions to local market needs. The centers span across the globe with locations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific regions. Although the exact founding dates of these centers can vary, DuPont has been focused on innovation and scientific exploration since its founding in 1802. Through these centers, DuPont aims to foster ideation and co-innovation, enabling cross-functional and cross-regional collaboration to accelerate the development of new technologies and applications in a wide range of industries, from agriculture and food to energy and transportation, leveraging DuPont’s vast portfolio of materials and products.
The Nike Innovation Kitchen is Nike's highly secretive and cutting-edge research and development lab, conceptualized as a place for designers to concoct new ideas for footwear and apparel. Located at Nike’s World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, the Innovation Kitchen was established in 2001, embodying the spirit of its original ""kitchen"" where Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman famously used his wife's waffle iron to create new soles for running shoes. This space has been the birthplace of some of Nike's most revolutionary products and technologies, such as Nike Flyknit and self-lacing shoes. The Innovation Kitchen continues to be a cornerstone of Nike's design philosophy, focusing on the fusion of advanced technology, sports science, and design to innovate solutions that improve athlete performance.
Nike's S23NYC Studio is a digital studio based in New York City, specifically focused on the intersection of sport, data, and behavior to deliver innovative digital experiences to Nike's customers. It was established following Nike's acquisition of Virgin Mega in August 2016, an incubator within Richard Branson’s Virgin Group that Nike absorbed to form S23NYC. The studio has been integral in creating and enhancing Nike’s SNKRS app experiences, infusing them with storytelling elements and augmented reality features that resonate with sneaker enthusiasts. The S23NYC team operates as a pivotal player in Nike's broader digital strategy, working on connecting the physical and digital worlds of retail, and providing Nike fans with unique and engaging ways to interact with the brand and its products.
Unilever Foundry is Unilever’s global platform for partnering with innovative startups to accelerate business growth and scale sustainability solutions. Launched in 2014, it operates globally with hubs in key entrepreneurial locations, including London, Singapore, and New York. The Foundry enables the FMCG giant to tap into the agility and innovative potential of startups, fostering collaboration on pilot projects, and investing in new technologies that can be applied across Unilever’s portfolio of brands. This initiative has enabled Unilever to drive digital transformation, explore new business models, and respond to changing consumer trends with agility. The Foundry is a testament to Unilever's commitment to innovation and sustainable growth by connecting and collaborating with the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
L'Oréal's Open Innovation program is a strategic initiative by the beauty and cosmetics giant to collaborate with promising startups, academic institutions, and other organizations to stay ahead in the competitive beauty industry through innovation. Although L'Oréal has a history dating back to 1909 and has always emphasized innovation, this formal approach to open innovation has been increasingly prominent in the company's strategy since the 2000s. The program doesn't have a singular physical location; instead, it operates globally, leveraging L'Oréal's multiple research and innovation hubs around the world, including its main facilities in France. The Open Innovation program encapsulates various projects, including partnering with incubators and accelerators, running the L'Oréal Innovation Runway competition, and engaging in strategic investments through their corporate venture fund, BOLD (Business Opportunities for L’Oréal Development). This initiative underpins L'Oréal’s mission to develop groundbreaking products and technologies, from advanced skincare applications to sustainable packaging solutions.
Procter & Gamble's Connect + Develop (C+D) program, initiated in 2001, embodies the company's open innovation strategy to foster collaboration with external partners and accelerate the development of new products. While P&G is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, the C+D program operates globally, integrating ideas from inventors, researchers, and companies worldwide to co-create innovations across P&G’s portfolio of brands. This strategic approach has facilitated partnerships leading to successful products and technology breakthroughs in categories ranging from baby care to beauty, tapping into the collective brainpower outside the traditional corporate R&D labs. The Connect + Develop initiative underscores P&G's commitment to combining internal capabilities with external ideas to drive faster, more effective innovation.
Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works is the official alias for the company's Advanced Development Programs (ADP), famed for producing revolutionary aerospace technologies and aircraft. It was established in 1943, during World War II, led by the visionary engineer Clarence ""Kelly"" Johnson. The original Skunk Works team was tasked with developing the XP-80 Shooting Star jet fighter in a remarkably short period. Located in Palmdale, California, this clandestine division of Lockheed Martin has been responsible for some of the most iconic aircraft in history, including the U-2, the SR-71 Blackbird, and the F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter. Known for its culture of innovation, agility, and secrecy, Skunk Works continues to be at the forefront of aerospace engineering, working on the latest advances in stealth technology, unmanned systems, and hyper-speed flight.
The Volkswagen Automotive Innovation Lab (VAIL), located on the Stanford University campus in California, was established in 2009 through a partnership between Stanford and the Volkswagen Group. This collaborative space is dedicated to research and development in the field of automotive technology, with a particular focus on innovation in areas such as autonomous driving, electric mobility, and vehicle safety systems. VAIL serves as a testament to Volkswagen's commitment to staying at the forefront of the rapidly evolving automotive industry, as it allows students, researchers, and engineers to work alongside one another to push the boundaries of automotive technology. Through VAIL, Volkswagen has been involved in pioneering projects, including the development of autonomous vehicle prototypes and advancing the integration of AI into automotive systems.
Ford Greenfield Labs, located in Palo Alto, California, is part of Ford Motor Company's innovation ecosystem, emphasizing the development of new technologies and business models for the future of mobility. Established around 2017, the lab serves as Ford’s Silicon Valley presence for research and innovation, focusing on areas such as autonomous vehicles, connectivity, mobility, customer experience, and big data. The lab operates with the agility of a startup while leveraging Ford’s automotive industry expertise, engaging in collaborations with universities, tech startups, and other stakeholders in the mobility space. It aims to drive breakthroughs in transportation and create seamless experiences for customers in an increasingly digital and urbanized world.
Daimler 1886 Ventures, previously known as Daimler Financial Services AG's innovation unit 'Lab1886', operates as an incubator and investment wing of the Daimler AG group, the German automotive corporation. Named to evoke the pioneering spirit of the year Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz invented the automobile, it was rebranded and its current structure was launched around 2017. This entity is designed to foster innovation and work on new mobility solutions, functioning as an independent innovation hub with the goal of quickly moving from ideas to market-ready products and services. While Daimler AG is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, 1886 Ventures maintains a global presence, with locations that include Berlin, Beijing, and Silicon Valley. This initiative is part of Daimler's broader strategy to transition from an automobile manufacturer to a mobility services provider in the era of digital and electric transport.
Volvo CampX by Volvo Group is their global innovation arena for technology and business transformation. Located in Gothenburg, Sweden, CampX was inaugurated in 2019 and serves as a collaborative space designed to foster innovations in electrification, autonomous driving, and connectivity by inviting startups, tech firms, and other partners to collaborate on Volvo Group’s future transport and infrastructure solutions. In a similar vein, Volvo Cars also runs an innovation lab, known as iLabX, which operates as a startup accelerator within the Volvo Cars Tech Fund, launched in 2018. iLabX hosts startups that can contribute to Volvo's vision of transforming the automotive landscape, focusing on enhancing the car user experience, digital business models, and safety innovations. These initiatives underline Volvo's commitment to being at the forefront of the industry's technological advancement, reflecting their long-standing heritage of safety and environmental care.
The CVS Digital Innovation Lab, launched in 2015 and located in Boston, Massachusetts, represents CVS Health's commitment to developing cutting-edge digital services and personalized capabilities to improve health care. The lab is a hub for the ideation and creation of new digital tools intended to enhance customer engagement and drive innovative strategies that cater to the evolving needs of patients and customers. Through this lab, CVS Health aims to leverage technology to make health care more accessible and straightforward, working on projects that include mobile apps, digital health initiatives, and smart devices, all designed to promote better health outcomes and more efficient management of health services. This initiative underscores the broader digital transformation efforts within the company, which aim to seamlessly integrate digital and physical experiences for their customers.
The Mayo Clinic Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, established in 2013 and located in Rochester, Minnesota, embodies a forward-thinking approach to revolutionizing health care practices. This center leverages Mayo Clinic's expertise to analyze and systematically apply clinical, operational, and policy recommendations to improve the delivery of health care for patients everywhere. By integrating data science, health services research, and systems engineering, the Kern Center aims to optimize health outcomes while enhancing the experience and value of care. The multidisciplinary team works on projects ranging from process improvements in patient care to the development of new care models, all intended to ensure that the health care system is efficient, effective, and patient-centered. The center's initiatives are central to the Mayo Clinic's mission of applying evidence-based research to clinical practice and are integral to setting new benchmarks for health care delivery worldwide.
VSP Global's Innovation Center, known as The Shop, is a venture that emphasizes the development of new technologies and business strategies within the eyecare and eyewear industries. Launched in 2012 and based in midtown Sacramento, California, the center operates as a hub for VSP Global's innovation across its lines of business, including insurance, eyewear, eyecare, and software solutions. The Shop aims to foster collaboration both internally and with tech startups, industry partners, and medical professionals to drive advancements in optical health and vision care. They work on a range of projects, from enhancing the eyewear shopping experience with virtual try-on technology to creating new tools for optometrists, aiming to improve both the provider and the wearer experience in the evolving landscape of vision care.
Cardinal Health Fuse is the technology innovation center of Cardinal Health, established to drive innovation in health care technology and improve the future of healthcare delivery. Located in Dublin, Ohio, it was inaugurated in September 2015. Fuse is tasked with creating and advancing technologies that help medical professionals provide more effective, efficient, and intuitive care. The center collaborates with clinicians, patients, and tech entrepreneurs to co-create solutions that optimize patient care, from pharmacy management systems to data analytics and automation in medical supply chains. This initiative by Cardinal Health is an acknowledgment of the critical role that technology plays in advancing healthcare outcomes and the importance of a patient-centric approach in the healthcare industry.
Johnson & Johnson Innovation Centers are part of a global network established by Johnson & Johnson to catalyze innovations in healthcare and support promising external early-stage companies. Launched in 2013, these innovation hubs are strategically located in life sciences hotspots including Boston, California (San Francisco Bay Area), London, and Shanghai. These centers are designed to facilitate collaborations and provide entrepreneurs and scientists with access to expertise and resources across pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer health sectors. By working together with innovators, Johnson & Johnson aims to identify and accelerate the development of transformative healthcare solutions. The innovation centers reflect Johnson & Johnson’s broader commitment to nurturing innovation and driving progress in global health.
LEO Innovation Lab is an independent unit of LEO Pharma, established with the mission to drive health technology advancements and solutions for people living with skin conditions. Founded in 2015 and based in Copenhagen, Denmark, the innovation lab operates without commercial constraints and focuses on the patient's digital journey, seeking to address the gaps between what the healthcare system provides and what patients need. With a user-centric approach, the lab explores new frontiers in digital health, tapping into the power of big data, digital apps, and artificial intelligence to improve the quality of life for patients with dermatological conditions. The innovation lab represents LEO Pharma's commitment to embracing digital transformation and investing in solutions that can make a tangible difference in the realm of dermatology and patient care.
AstraZeneca's BioVentureHub was established in 2014 and is located in Mölndal, Sweden. It operates as a unique collaborative environment where biotech and medtech startups and academic groups can co-locate with AstraZeneca's own scientists. The BioVentureHub provides access to AstraZeneca's high-end infrastructure and expertise, with the aim of fostering innovation and collaboration in the life sciences sector. This initiative offers a dynamic platform for emerging life science companies to accelerate their research and development processes and is part of AstraZeneca’s wider strategy to contribute to medical science advancements by sharing knowledge, technology, and capabilities with the wider health and life science community. The BioVentureHub has become a vibrant ecosystem for cross-pollination of ideas, contributing to the growth of the life sciences sector in the region and beyond.
Eli Lilly and Company's Lilly Cambridge Innovation Center, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, represents the pharmaceutical giant's commitment to external collaboration and innovation in drug discovery and development. Officially opened in 2015, this center is strategically positioned in one of the world’s most prominent biotech hubs, Kendall Square, to tap into the area’s rich ecosystem of biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovation. The innovation center focuses on discovering and developing therapies in immunology and other research areas, where scientific breakthroughs are rapidly occurring. By collaborating with leading academic and biotech research institutions in the region, Lilly aims to foster a culture of scientific exchange and speed the translation of innovative science into potential new treatments for patients. The Cambridge Innovation Center serves as a key node in Lilly’s broader global network of research and development, enhancing its ability to deliver on its mission to create medicines that make life better for people around the world.
The IPG Media Lab is part of Interpublic Group (IPG), a global provider of marketing solutions. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in New York City, the Lab serves as a portal to the world of media innovation, focusing on how new technology affects consumers, media, and marketing. As a resource for IPG’s global network of agencies and clients, the IPG Media Lab identifies and researches innovations and trends in the media landscape to help marketers navigate the rapidly evolving world of advertising. Through partnerships with startups and established players in the tech and media sectors, the Lab provides insights into future trends and hands-on experiences with new technologies, helping to inform and shape media strategy, planning, and buying across the IPG network. The Lab's initiatives underscore the importance of innovation in staying ahead in the dynamic field of media and marketing.
The New York Times Research & Development group, located in New York City, is a forward-looking team within the broader New York Times Company, though specific details about its founding date are not widely publicized. This innovative R&D team is tasked with anticipating changes in how news and information are consumed and shaping the future of news by exploring new technologies, user behaviors, and trends. Their work often spans various disciplines, including machine learning, computational journalism, and augmented reality, aiming to extend the capabilities of The New York Times and ensure its continued relevance in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The group’s mission is to look beyond the current state of media to predict and prototype next-generation storytelling formats and engagement platforms for the Times.
Comcast Labs is the research and development arm of Comcast Cable, which is a division of Comcast Corporation, a global media and technology company. With multiple locations, including in Philadelphia where Comcast is headquartered, Comcast Labs is at the forefront of developing new technologies and experiences for telecommunication and media services. Although the exact founding date of Comcast Labs is not widely publicized, it functions as an incubator for innovation within the company, exploring areas such as broadband, cloud technology, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The Labs work on the next generation of connected home and entertainment experiences, contributing significantly to Comcast's growth as a technology leader and evolving their services in the digital age. Their innovations aim to enhance customer experiences with products such as the Xfinity X1 platform, voice remote, and Internet services.
The Walt Disney Studios StudioLab is an initiative designed to reimagine the future of entertainment with cutting-edge technology and is located in Burbank, California, on the Walt Disney Studios lot. StudioLab was officially unveiled in June 2018 as a collaboration between The Walt Disney Studios and partners like Cisco, Accenture, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise. This innovation hub focuses on developing immersive entertainment experiences using virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and advanced data analytics among other technologies. The lab acts as a nexus where Disney's storytellers collaborate with technology innovators to create new tools and storytelling methods that shape the future of film, television, and other media. It underscores Disney's enduring legacy of combining storytelling art with technological advancements to enrich the content and experiences they provide to their audiences globally.
WarnerMedia Innovation Lab, an initiative by WarnerMedia, is an incubator for future-forward entertainment solutions incorporating virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and other cutting-edge technologies to create immersive content and personalized consumer experiences. Launched in January 2019, the Lab is based in New York City. The Innovation Lab operates at the intersection of WarnerMedia’s content and AT&T’s distribution capabilities, aiming to leverage data and insights across the WarnerMedia family, including Warner Bros., HBO, and Turner, as well as Xandr, AT&T’s advertising and analytics company. The Lab is designed to drive innovation by partnering with emerging and established companies to explore new technologies and techniques for content creation and distribution, advertising, and customer engagement, preparing WarnerMedia to navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape of the media and entertainment industry.
Accenture Innovation Centers, part of the multinational professional services company Accenture, are strategically located across the globe and serve as hubs where clients can work alongside Accenture experts to co-create innovative solutions and apply disruptive technologies to their businesses. While Accenture has a long history of innovation, the formal establishment of these centers has been a continuous effort over the years, expanding with the growing need for digital transformation. These centers focus on various industries and technological domains, such as digital, analytics, blockchain, and security, among others. Each location provides a unique set of capabilities reflecting the market it serves, with prominent centers in cities like Dublin, San Francisco, and Bangalore. They are designed not just to envision and prototype revolutionary ideas but also to scale them into full-fledged business-ready solutions. The specific founding dates of individual centers are not typically disclosed, as the network has expanded organically in response to technological advancements and geographic needs.
Deloitte InsightStudio is part of Deloitte's broader network of innovation labs and spaces dedicated to developing data-driven analytics and insights to solve complex business challenges. While Deloitte has numerous innovation labs and studios around the world, each with its own focus and expertise, the InsightStudio specifically blends analytics with a variety of other disciplines to accelerate performance through innovative strategies. It serves as a collaborative space where clients and Deloitte professionals can explore and craft new approaches to business issues, utilizing the power of analytics, data science, and cognitive technologies. The exact locations and founding dates of the InsightStudios are not widely published, as they are integral components of Deloitte's continuously evolving global network of professional services aimed at fostering innovation and delivering market-relevant solutions. These studios underscore Deloitte's commitment to investing in capabilities that bring together the intersection of business acumen and technological expertise.
McKinsey Digital Labs is an entity within McKinsey & Company, which brings together a broad set of digital capabilities to help the consultancy's clients unlock value by accelerating their digital transformations. McKinsey Digital Labs encompasses a network of professionals, including data scientists, designers, engineers, and agile coaches, who collaborate closely with McKinsey consultants to build and scale new digital solutions. While McKinsey & Company has a global footprint, the exact locations of all Digital Labs are not universally specified, as they are integrated with McKinsey's offices around the world to provide clients with a seamless experience. The Digital Labs initiative has grown organically alongside McKinsey's expansion in the digital consulting space, but an exact founding date for this division is not commonly specified in public-facing resources, reflecting the firm's approach of continual evolution to meet the digital and analytical needs of its clientele.
Boston Consulting Group's (BCG) Innovation Center for Operations (ICO) is a network of model factories and centers across the globe dedicated to helping clients transform their manufacturing and supply chain operations through innovation and digital technologies. The ICOs enable clients to see first-hand the impact of leading-edge operations technology, offering immersive demonstrations and workshops in areas like digital manufacturing, lean management, and Industry 4.0 technologies. BCG has such centers in several locations, including Paris, which was opened in 2010, and Singapore, with the network expanding to other strategic locations over time. These centers embody BCG's commitment to providing hands-on experience and tangible insights into how companies can revolutionize their operations and sharpen their competitive edge in the market through advanced technology and smarter processes.
The Booz Allen Innovation Center, established by Booz Allen Hamilton, is situated in Washington, D.C., and serves as a hub for nurturing creativity and advanced thinking in technological solutions and strategic consulting. Launched in October 2015, the Innovation Center is designed to be a collaborative space for Booz Allen employees, clients, partners, and the innovation community to converge and co-create solutions to complex client challenges and societal issues. It's part of Booz Allen's broader investment in fostering a culture of innovation and harnessing cutting-edge technologies, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality, to stay at the forefront of the consulting industry's evolution. This space reflects the firm's strategic emphasis on collaborative innovation as a driver of both internal growth and client service enhancement.
Ernst & Young's wavespace™ is a global network of growth and innovation centers designed to help clients achieve radical breakthroughs in business transformation. These centers facilitate collaboration between EY professionals, clients, and the wider ecosystem, fostering innovation through workshops and strategic initiatives across digital, analytics, cybersecurity, and other domains. The wavespace network has locations in cities such as New York, London, and Singapore, among others. The concept of wavespace was launched by EY around 2017 as part of the firm's ongoing efforts to drive innovation and creative problem-solving. While each wavespace center offers a unique environment reflecting its local ecosystem, they all share the common goal of helping businesses navigate complex industry challenges and embrace disruption.
KPMG's Innovation Lab is part of the firm's broader initiative to help clients anticipate and respond to deep-seated business changes and challenges. The Innovation Lab, primarily located in New York, is tasked with identifying and interpreting signals of change within the business environment, translating those signals into actionable business insights through data-driven research, and applying predictive analytics. KPMG has not widely publicized the exact founding date of its Innovation Lab, but it is a key component of the firm's ongoing investment in research and innovation to drive value for its clients. The lab collaborates with KPMG's network of professionals and clients to foster innovative thinking and develop cutting-edge solutions that address complex and evolving business issues.
PwC's Emerging Tech Lab focuses on exploring and developing technologies that can transform the way businesses operate. Although PwC has numerous innovation centers and emerging technology groups around the world, specific details about an ""Emerging Tech Lab"" including its precise location or founding date are not widely publicized as a standalone entity. PwC's approach to emerging tech typically involves integrating these efforts into their network of experience centers and labs globally, which work on technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, drones, virtual and augmented reality, and Internet of Things (IoT). These hubs are part of PwC's larger strategy to embed digital transformation and tech innovation into the solutions and advice they provide to clients across various industries.
The Anthem Innovation Studio is an initiative by Anthem, Inc., a leading health benefits company, designed to foster the development and testing of new ideas and solutions to improve health care experiences. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, the Innovation Studio was inaugurated in 2016. This collaborative space aims to bring together entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, and technologists to iterate on and pilot new concepts rapidly. The facility represents Anthem’s commitment to transforming healthcare through innovation, with a focus on creating services and products that enhance the consumer healthcare experience, streamline provider collaboration, and ultimately drive better health outcomes.
AXA Next is the innovation ecosystem created by the global insurance leader AXA, aimed at building new services and business models to anticipate and address customers' changing needs. Launched in January 2019, AXA Next consolidates the company's various innovation initiatives to accelerate the deployment of new business solutions across the group. While AXA is headquartered in Paris, France, the specific locations for AXA Next activities span across multiple innovation hubs worldwide, taking advantage of global trends and innovations in insurance and adjacent industries. The goal of AXA Next is not only to foster internal innovation but also to collaborate with startups, thereby injecting agility and creativity into AXA's broader strategic operations.
The Swiss Re Institute was established by Swiss Re, a leading wholesale provider of reinsurance, insurance, and other insurance-based forms of risk transfer, to consolidate the company’s research and outreach activities. Officially launched in 2017, the institute is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, and operates globally. It aims to provide an interface between Swiss Re and external stakeholders by offering industry-relevant research and sharing insights through publications, conferences, and engagements. The Swiss Re Institute leverages the company’s expertise in risk analysis to explore the future landscape of risk and to equip Swiss Re and its clients with a better understanding of the risk landscape and economic trends, thus supporting them in the development of forward-thinking solutions in the reinsurance domain.
Aviva's Digital Garage is an innovative space set up by Aviva PLC, an international insurance company headquartered in London, UK. The Digital Garage, first opened in London in 2015, serves as an incubator for digital innovation where Aviva's teams can work on developing new insurance concepts and digital products. Designed to fast-track the company's digital transformation, the Garage represents Aviva's commitment to adopting a digital-first approach, aiming to enhance customer experience through technology. It stands as a hub for collaboration between Aviva's employees, customers, and fintech startups, facilitating the exploration and creation of cutting-edge digital solutions in the insurance sector.
The Zurich Innovation Foundry is Zurich Insurance Group's global platform to innovate and design new services and solutions that respond to the evolving needs of their customers. Established in 2018, the Foundry embodies Zurich's commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration both internally and with external partners. Although Zurich Insurance Group's headquarters is in Zurich, Switzerland, the Innovation Foundry operates across the company's global network, harnessing ideas from its international workforce and the wider insurance market. The platform is a part of Zurich's strategic initiative to transform business through customer-led innovation, enabling the company to explore and validate new ideas quickly, develop them into prototypes, and scale them across its global operations.
The Wawanesa Innovation Outpost at Communitech, established in September 2019, is a testament to Wawanesa Insurance’s commitment to embracing digital innovation and customer-centricity in the insurance sector. Located in the tech ecosystem of Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, the outpost serves as a satellite extension of Wawanesa's broader innovation initiatives, operating out of the Communitech Hub – a renowned community and co-working space for tech companies and startups. This collaborative environment is conducive to exploring and rapidly prototyping new technologies and methodologies. It allows Wawanesa to leverage the area's dense concentration of tech talent and innovative startups to drive transformational projects, aiming to improve their operations, enhance customer experience, and adapt to the fast-changing insurance landscape.
Cream City Labs is Northwestern Mutual's innovation lab, established to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration that drives new ideas for its products and services. Launched in 2017, Cream City Labs is located within Northwestern Mutual's headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The lab provides a space for employees, startups, and the community to come together to create and explore innovative financial technology solutions. It's part of Northwestern Mutual’s broader investment in digital transformation, aiming to not only incubate internal startups but also to support the Milwaukee tech ecosystem through partnerships and events. Cream City Labs represents a physical commitment to the company's goal of blending the agility and creativity of a startup with the expertise of an industry leader in financial services.
State Farm's Research and Development Center, known as RED Labs, is part of the insurance company's commitment to innovation and technology. Located at the University of Illinois Research Park in Champaign, Illinois, RED Labs was established in 2005. This space is designed to engage the brightest minds in academia and within State Farm to collaborate on research and development projects, with a strong focus on advancing insurance and financial services through innovation. By partnering with students and faculty, State Farm aims to explore new ideas and technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics to enhance their service offerings, improve customer experience, and streamline operations. RED Labs serves as a testament to State Farm's proactive approach to embracing change and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technological advancement.
The Southern Company Energy Innovation Center is an initiative by Southern Company, one of the largest energy providers in the United States, aimed at advancing energy innovation and technology. The center was established in 2015 and is located in Atlanta, Georgia. Its purpose is to explore, develop, and implement solutions that enhance the customer experience, improve operational efficiency, and provide new services in the rapidly evolving energy sector. The Energy Innovation Center stands as a collaborative space where Southern Company can partner with technology startups, research institutions, and other industry stakeholders to co-create the future of energy, focusing on areas such as electric transportation, smart grids, and renewable energy solutions. It represents Southern Company's commitment to maintaining a customer-focused approach to innovation and its broader goal of promoting sustainable energy practices.
Georgia-Pacific's Innovation Institute® is a state-of-the-art research and development facility designed to advance the company's product development and enhance its operational efficiencies. Established in 2004, the GP Innovation Institute is located in Neenah, Wisconsin. This center serves as a hub for Georgia-Pacific's consumer products segment, emphasizing collaboration with customers, suppliers, and machine manufacturers to create new products and improve existing ones. By combining consumer insights with technological capabilities, the institute aims to foster innovation in the paper products industry, from tissue and towel products to napkins and disposable tableware. The GP Innovation Institute is reflective of Georgia-Pacific's commitment to continuous improvement and investment in technology that drives both growth and sustainability in their product offerings.
thyssenkrupp Elevator Research is a branch of the multinational conglomerate thyssenkrupp AG, specifically focused on the development and innovation of elevator technology. Established as part of the company's commitment to leading advancements in urban mobility, the research division has been notable for projects like the MULTI, the world's first rope-free elevator system. While thyssenkrupp has multiple research and development facilities worldwide, one of its most prominent R&D centers for elevator technology is the Innovation and Qualification Center (IQC) in Rottweil, Germany, which features the Test Tower, a unique facility inaugurated in 2017. This center serves as a testament to thyssenkrupp's innovation in smart and energy-efficient mobility solutions, including predictive maintenance services and advanced elevator technologies that aim to transform the movement of people in buildings and urban spaces.
Emerson's The Helix Innovation Center is a pioneering facility designed to advance research and development in the areas of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR). Opened in April 2016, the center is located on the University of Dayton campus in Dayton, Ohio. This state-of-the-art facility represents Emerson's commitment to collaborative innovation, providing a real-world environment where Emerson engineers and industry partners can test and develop energy-efficient and sustainable solutions. The Helix Innovation Center houses various simulated environments, including a working commercial kitchen, a model home, a supermarket, and a data center, allowing for the exploration and troubleshooting of HVACR challenges across different settings. This initiative is a key part of Emerson's strategy to drive forward the next generation of HVACR technology and services.
Caterpillar's Data Innovation Lab is a collaborative effort between the global construction machinery and equipment company and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Launched in 2015, the lab is situated within the Research Park at the university, positioning it strategically at the intersection of academia and industry. The focus of the lab is to leverage data analytics, machine learning, and other emerging data-driven technologies to enhance the capabilities and services of Caterpillar's products. By tapping into the rich talent pool of the university, the Data Innovation Lab aims to provide innovative solutions that improve customer efficiency, reduce operating costs, and increase productivity, thus driving Caterpillar’s leadership in the heavy equipment industry through advanced data-centric innovation.
Duke Energy, one of the largest energy holding companies in the United States, established the Duke Energy Innovation Center to drive the development of new products and services and to foster innovation in the energy sector. The center is part of Duke Energy's broader commitment to transforming the future of energy and providing smart, sustainable solutions for its customers. While the company is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, information on the specific location and founding date of the Innovation Center itself is not widely publicized, reflecting the company's integrated approach to innovation across its various business units and functions. The center embodies Duke Energy’s efforts to harness technology and data to lead the transition to a smarter energy future, with initiatives ranging from grid optimization to renewable energy and electric vehicle infrastructure.
ENGIE Fab is the innovation arm of ENGIE, a global energy and services group. ENGIE Fab supports the group's transformation into a leader of the energy transition by developing new business models and innovative solutions in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and smart cities. It serves as an incubator and accelerator for startups and innovative projects, fostering partnerships between business units, startups, and external ecosystems. While ENGIE is headquartered in La Défense, Courbevoie, France, ENGIE Fab operates in various international locations to tap into diverse innovation ecosystems. The specific inception date of ENGIE Fab is not widely publicized, but it functions within the broader scope of ENGIE's innovation strategy, which has become increasingly prominent since the company's rebranding and strategic reorientation towards sustainable energy began in 2014. ENGIE Fab exemplifies the company's commitment to leading the energy sector towards a more sustainable future through collaborative innovation.
The Enel Innovation Hub&Lab represents a key part of Enel Group's global network dedicated to fostering innovation and technological development. Launched as part of the multinational power company's commitment to sustainability and smart energy solutions, the network includes several hubs and labs around the world. One prominent hub, the Enel Innovation Hub in Tel Aviv, was opened in 2016, reflecting the company's strategy to collaborate with the vibrant Israeli tech ecosystem. These hubs are designed to connect Enel with startups, academic institutions, and research centers to develop projects in areas like renewable energy, digitalization, and smart grids. The labs, in particular, are hands-on environments where new ideas can be tested and developed. Through this international presence, Enel aims to leverage external innovation to drive transformation in the energy sector, with a strong focus on decarbonization, electrification of energy demand, and digitalization to ensure more sustainable and efficient energy systems.
3M, known for its culture of creativity and innovation, has various Innovation Centers around the globe, with one of the flagship centers located at its headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota. These centers are physical manifestations of the company's dedication to innovation, serving as collaborative spaces where 3M scientists and engineers work alongside customers to solve complex challenges. While 3M as a company was founded in 1902, the specific inauguration dates of each Innovation Center can vary, reflecting the company's ongoing investment in research and development. The centers showcase 3M's cutting-edge products and technologies across diverse industries, from healthcare and consumer goods to energy and electronics, and they provide a venue for immersive demonstrations and ideation sessions that help spark new solutions leveraging 3M’s vast array of technologies.
Marriott International's Innovation Lab, often referred to as ""The Underground"" due to its location beneath the company's headquarters, is situated in Bethesda, Maryland. This creative space, established in 2013, functions as an incubator for the global hospitality company to design, craft, and test new concepts and ideas for the guest experience. Within the lab, mock-ups of rooms and public spaces are set up to emulate real hotel environments, allowing teams to gather feedback and iterate on everything from layout to technology and service offerings. The Innovation Lab is central to Marriott's commitment to staying ahead in the competitive hospitality industry by continually refining the guest experience through innovation and responsive design.
Delta Air Lines established The Hangar, a technology and innovation center, to spearhead the company’s endeavors to explore and implement cutting-edge technologies that enhance customer and employee experiences. Located at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia, The Hangar was inaugurated in May 2016. As an innovation lab, The Hangar allows Delta to experiment with and accelerate the development of new ideas and business solutions, focusing on improving various aspects of the airline's operations, such as maintenance, customer service, and the in-flight experience. By fostering a culture of rapid prototyping and collaborative innovation, The Hangar plays a significant role in Delta's strategy to leverage technology in maintaining its industry leadership and delivering superior service to its customers.
AccorHotels, a French multinational hospitality company, integrates innovation as a core strategy for business development, though specific information about an ""AccorHotels Innovation Lab"" is not widely publicized as a distinct entity. However, Accor has emphasized innovation through initiatives such as the Accor Innovation Lab, which showcases the group's latest innovations at events like Viva Technology Paris. This approach reflects Accor's commitment to digital transformation and creating revolutionary customer experiences in the hospitality industry. The company collaborates with startups and employs an open innovation strategy to remain at the forefront of the evolving digital landscape, enhancing their service offerings, operational efficiency, and sustainability efforts. The broader Accor group, headquartered in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France, has various programs and partnerships in place to foster innovation within the company and the industry at large.
The Hilton Innovation Gallery is an incubator space for the global hospitality company Hilton, designed to showcase, test, and develop cutting-edge product and service innovations. Opened in 2017, the Gallery is located next to the Hilton Global Headquarters in McLean, Virginia. This 4,300 square foot facility is not open to the public and operates as a think tank for Hilton team members and invited guests, including hotel owners, operators, and technology partners, to explore advancements in hospitality. The space includes mock-ups of guest rooms and communal areas where new concepts in food and beverage, guest room design, and technology can be brought to life. The Innovation Gallery reflects Hilton's ongoing commitment to reimagining the future of hospitality and enhancing guest experiences through innovation.
Airbnb Samara is a multidisciplinary innovation and design studio within Airbnb, created to explore new attitudes towards sharing and trust. Founded in 2016, Samara's first major project was the Yoshino Cedar House, a communal space in rural Japan designed to connect visitors with the small town's community and culture. While specific details about Samara's location are not widely publicized, it operates as part of Airbnb's global network, with its initiatives not bound to a single geographic location. The studio focuses on combining Airbnb's expertise in community building with design to create new shared living spaces and experiences that foster connections and highlight the potential of the sharing economy to revitalize communities and promote a sense of belonging.
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