Open Innovation Talks

Siemens excels at automating the known, but what about automating the unknown? Join us as we go through the dynamic world of innovation and digital transformation with the cutting-edge technology of D.I. (Digital Industries) with Franz Menzl, VP Technology & Innovation and CTO at Factory Automation, Siemens.
Over nine months, ideas undergo rigorous validation, in two phases: engaging 100 customers and securing 2-3 pilot customers. The journey doesn't end there! Successful teams proceed to a 12-month incubation period, empowering them to shape their promising project.
Gain insights on the possibilities of automating the unknowns and learn how the D.I. Validation Engine has helped Siemens accelerate its processes.

In 2021 when AE Industrial Partners partnered with The Boeing Company to manage and invest in HorizonX Ventures Boeing's venture fund. AEI Horizon X focuses on investing in mobility, space and connectivity, industrial tech, and enterprise digital solutions all with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
During the episode, we explore the exciting world of corporate venture capital and its transformation over time. Brian Schettler explains why it's crucial to start by fostering internal support and demonstrating the potential benefits of this approach.
”Patience, explanation, and political capital are the building blocks for a successful CVC model.”
Join us to find out how AEI Horizon X, the winner of the prestigious Corporate Startup Stars Awards in 2022, has made waves in the startup investment category

In today’s episode, our CEO Marco Marinucci has the pleasure of hosting Gen Isayama from @WIL - World Innovation Lab. Gen dives deep into how to bridge the gap between Japan and the entire innovation ecosystem around the globe, mainly focusing on Silicon Valley.
The World Innovation Lab was founded with the vision of creating an innovation hub for corporations. Unlike traditional Corporate Venture Capitals (CVCs) or company outposts, Gen aims to establish a vibrant lab where individuals from various industries could come and go, constantly learning and contributing to the greater innovation ecosystem.

Open Innovation models are evolving, we often say.
Describing the Zurich Innovation Championship, Joel Agard, Group Head of Innovation, Zurich Insurance Group, says that it is not an accelerator but it is more than a venture client.
Through its 40 group's companies Zurich Insurance Group scouts over 3000 startups per year. About 150 are invited to the local “Super Days” organised by in the different markets. Of them about 50 are admitted to the Global Round in front of the Excom. 15 enter the 4 -month program that has the goal of validating the solution through 3 sprints: “Desirability”, “Feasibility” (technical, regulatory, ethical, legal/compliance, brand consistency) and “Viability” (that means producing a joint biz plan).
No equity is involved. The outcome of the program - that is more a POC deployment rather than an Accelerator - is to start a partnership or licensing agreement that might eventually lead - down the way - to an investment or acquisition.
Which KPIs? “Our goal is to have green or red flags. We are not interested in having many pilots (“we are not Lufthansa”) but producing results. Therefore we try to reduce the amber lights that at the end turn into zombie projects that waste resources (both for us and for the startups).”

LG Nova is among the new kids on the busy block of Silicon Valley based corporate innovation entities. After the official launch of its first Innovation Festival, LG Nova has been extremely active looking for startup solutions in Digital Health, Metaverse & Gaming, Electric Mobility, Display Solutions, and Smart Lifestyle. In our conversation with Sokwoo Rhee, we cover the details of how LG Nova is structured, its macro objectives and relationships with other entities of the LG galaxy (ie LG Tech Ventures).

From making Enel the world leader in renewable energy to the future of energy

My job as Head of Volkswagen Group Innovation? “Organizing a central common innovation unit in a group with 10 different global brands and generating synergies. There are common tech challenges across the brands: decarbonization, software, autonomous driving, customer interface. Additionally companies need to be present in the main innovation hotspots, from Asia to Silicon Valley and Israel. We are there as a group.”
So says Nikolai Ardey, Head of Volkswagen Group Innovation, who also reveals the secret of Open Innovation. “Landing innovation with the right level of maturity”, at least if you want to minimize the “not invented here” syndrome".
Nikolai describes the different initiatives run by the group’s brands (Konnect Volkswagen Group Innovation Tel Aviv, Porsche APX Accelerator, Skoda Auto Digital Lab, Seat Start4Big) as well as provide insights about the $300M CVC fund dedicated to startups in the decarbonization space Volkswagen is about to launch. It will be an independent fund open to external LPs.