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The Co-Creation Challenge

We bring you from 0 to concrete partnerships with startups

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Phase 1: Scoping

We help you define a clear innovation challenge for co-creation with startups.

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Phase 2: Rules of Engagement

We help you build a solid framework ​for collaboration and co-creation ​with startups

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Phase 3: Matchmaking

We hunt the startup landscape for suitable open innovation partners.

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Phase 4: Co-Creation

We bring the parties together and help you define a project or proof-of-concept​

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Phase 1: Scoping

We help you define a clear innovation
challenge for co-creation with startups.

  • Client case: AGFA
  • Core question to be answered:
    “What is our biggest innovation challenge?”

Before searching for start-ups to collaborate with, we take the time to prioritise all the possible innovation challenges or domains where open innovation could help accelerate growth for a company. For a large chemical company like AGFA, this was the first big challenge during our project together.

There were many innovation opportunities across sectors, application fields and market segments. After a few strategic workshops, we were able to create focus and aligned on a clear-cut innovation domain which would become our hunting field for potential partnerships with start-ups.

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Phase 2: Rules of Engagement

We help you build a solid framework ​for
collaboration and co-creation ​with startups.

  • Client case: Mensura
  • Core question to be answered:
    “How will we collaborate with start-ups?”

If you want to approach potential partners for a collaborative project, you need to first define your ground rules for collaboration. At Mensura, we developed a clear framework for partnerships.

This included rules for commercial deals with start-ups, intellectual property in case of co-creation and equity investment guidelines. A charter was written for all participants in the Mensura ‘partner ecosystem’ and a venture fund was created for investments in promising startups.

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Phase 3: Matchmaking

We hunt the startup landscape for
suitable open innovation partners.

  • Client case: Schréder
  • Core question to be answered:
    “What are the best potential partners?”

During the matchmaking phase we hunt the market for relevant start-ups and invite them to our client. By engaging our extended network but also searching beyond our own channels, we always manage to bring potential partners to the table. Schréder was looking for start-ups that could help them make their electronics solutions more sustainable.

We found a wide range of enticing start-ups, including innovative companies in energy harvesting, battery technology, energy storage, advanced materials and heat management. Our secret sauce is in going beyond the core business of our client and being creative with our matches. This is where we believe the biggest growth potential is.

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Phase 4: Co-Creation

We bring the parties together and
help you define a project or proof-of-concept​

  • Client case: Colruyt Group
  • Core question to be answered:
    “How do we define a project and keep it on the rails?”

Having a large, slow corporate collaborate with a small, agile start-up is not without an occasional speedbump. To guarantee a successful co-creation project, we stay on board as a mediating third party to keep the project on track.

At Colruyt Group, we provided the project team with a part-time mentor to guide them through the process of corporate venturing. After all, execution is the last 99% of any innovative venture.

FAQ’s

Why?

Why should I collaborate with start-ups?

Collaboration with startups can bring fresh perspectives, new technologies, and innovative approaches that can help corporates stay competitive in their industry. Startups often have a faster pace of innovation, more agility, and a more experimental culture, making them ideal partners for corporate innovation initiatives.

Why is this a paid program?

The TRIBO program is a paid service because it involves a significant amount of effort, resources, and expertise to match corporates with the right startups and manage the co-creation process effectively. The fee covers the costs of program design, workshops, reporting, startup scouting and access to our startup community.

What?

What could I expect as an outcome/deliverables?

The expected outcome of TRIBO’s co-creation program is a pitch day where 8-12 startups present their proposed solutions to the corporate partner’s innovation challenge. From these pitches, 1-2 startups are selected for further discussion and collaboration to define a prototype or POC for the proposed solution. The focus of the program is on identifying promising startup solutions and facilitating further collaboration to develop a prototype or POC.

What is the process for defining the innovation challenge in a co-creation program?

TRIBO works closely with the corporate partner to identify and define the innovation challenge that the co-creation program will address. This involves understanding the corporate partner’s strategic priorities, pain points, and opportunities for growth, as well as conducting market and technology research.

What kind of innovation challenges can TRIBO help address?

TRIBO can help address a wide range of innovation challenges, from product development to process improvement to business model innovation. Some examples include digital transformation, sustainability, customer experience, and new market entry.

What’s TRIBO’s role in the collaboration process?

TRIBO acts as a matchmaker between corporates and startups, facilitating co-creation programs that focus on innovation challenges defined by the corporate partner. TRIBO also provides mentorship, coaching, and project management support to ensure a successful collaboration outcome.

What happens after the co-creation program ends?

After the co-creation program ends, the corporate partner and the startup can continue to work together to further develop the prototype or proof of concept. Alternatively, the corporate partner may decide to invest in the startup or acquire the technology developed during the program.

How?

How long does a TRIBO co-creation program typically last?

TRIBO’s co-creation program is a well-defined process that typically lasts for four months from the initial challenge definition to the final selection of startups. During this time, TRIBO works closely with the corporate partner and the startups to facilitate collaboration, mentorship, and pitch development, leading up to the final startup selection for further discussion and collaboration.

How does TRIBO select the startups to participate in the co-creation program?

TRIBO scouts startups through a rigorous selection process that includes evaluation of their business model, technology, team, and growth potential. TRIBO also looks for startups that have a clear fit with the innovation challenge and the corporate partner’s needs. Channels include our own community (+300 promising scale-ups in the Netwerk Ondernemen community), partner institutions and online search.

Is TRIBO focused on any specific industries or sectors?

TRIBO works with corporate partners from a wide range of industries and sectors, including construction, chemistry, healthcare and telecom. TRIBO’s focus is on helping corporates innovate and stay competitive, regardless of the industry or sector.

How does TRIBO measure the success of a co-creation program?

TRIBO measures the success of a co-creation program based on several factors, including the quality and relevance of the prototype or proof of concept, the level of engagement and collaboration between the corporate partner and the startup, and the potential impact of the innovation on the corporate partner’s business.

Let’s start the conversation

Want to know more about the Co-Creation Challenge?

Book a discovery call with our President of Possibilities, Gert Gijbels.

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