Sodexo is accepting applications from start-ups that improve the workplace experience

Sodexo UK and Ireland has teamed up with L Marks, an innovation specialist, to launch a global scouting campaign for new and innovative start-ups to collaborate through its innovation programme, Sodexo Accelerators.

The foodservice and facilities management company is seeking applications across three categories which align with its Vital Spaces value proposition, which focuses on workspace and work-life services:

• Employee experience – personalisation of services through data, developed solutions for manufacturing environments and hybrid workers, and innovations that put the person at the centre of their work-life.
• Sustainability – creating greener and more local supply chains, supporting organisations to meet their scope three carbon emission targets, and helping consumers’ choices through analysis, insights and communication.
• Smart buildings – technology to inform and optimise the internal environment – from air quality to hygiene to energy management – connecting and analysing building assets in real-time.

Sodexo has also included the opportunity for a wildcard entry to encourage applications for a left-field innovation that will impress the judges and gain access to be tested in a live consumer setting.

Julie Ennis, CEO Corporate Services, Sodexo UK & Ireland said: “I am excited to launch Sodexo Accelerators here in the UK and Ireland. The world has changed, and the scope of our services has become richer and more varied, as shown through our Vital Spaces proposition, which puts employee experience at the heart of what we do. We are hugely excited to begin working with start-ups to further support our clients’ needs.”

Start-ups can apply via Sodexo’s website. The platform will close on 3 March 2022 and selected applicants will be invited to a pitch day in early April.

Successful start-ups will then be offered the chance to work with mentors from Sodexo’s subject matter experts and business leaders over a 10-week period to fine-tune their solutions in a live customer environment.