For startups, partnering with Sodexo offers a chance to 'accelerate' their growth, gaining access to experienced business mentors, extensive industry insights, and a global client base. Selected startups will be equipped to expand their operations and establish a long-term relationship with Sodexo, contributing significantly to its innovation journey.

Following several successful local editions in major markets like the US, the UK, and Brazil, this is the inaugural global edition of the Sodexo accelerator. It aims to discover innovative solutions that enhance the workplace experience for consumers worldwide, structured around a 10-week programme.

Martin Boden, CEO, Sodexo Global Strategic Accounts said: “We’re excited to launch the 2024 Global Accelerator, further demonstrating our commitment to bring innovation at scale to our clients, who are leading players in their industries. This is an exceptional opportunity both for us and for disruptive startups to partner together to continue to evolve our service offering.”

Sodexo has announced the opening of its 2024 Global Accelerator programme, a strategic initiative designed to foster collaboration with startups. This programme is crucial for Sodexo to stay abreast of the latest trends and disruptions in the service industry.

For startups, partnering with Sodexo offers a chance to 'accelerate' their growth, gaining access to experienced business mentors, extensive industry insights, and a global client base. Selected startups will be equipped to expand their operations and establish a long-term relationship with Sodexo, contributing significantly to its innovation journey.

Following several successful local editions in major markets like the US, the UK, and Brazil, this is the inaugural global edition of the Sodexo accelerator. It aims to discover innovative solutions that enhance the workplace experience for consumers worldwide, structured around a 10-week programme.

Martin Boden, CEO of Sodexo Global Strategic Accounts, commented: "We’re excited to launch the 2024 Global Accelerator, further evidencing our commitment to introducing innovation at scale for our clients, who are industry leaders. This presents an exceptional opportunity for both Sodexo and pioneering startups to collaborate and evolve our service offerings."

For this global edition, Sodexo seeks applications focusing on five key areas:

• Data Analytics: Enhancing data use across client accounts, ensuring effective communication within client teams and fostering data-driven decision-making.
• Sustainability: Developing methods to measure and assess carbon impact, and devising solutions to reduce emissions in Sodexo’s services.
• Consumer Experience: Investigating solutions to improve accessibility, workforce flexibility, and resource optimisation, thereby enhancing the consumer experience. This includes capturing consumer feedback for continuous improvement.
• Operational Efficiency: Providing practical solutions for streamlining workflows, resource optimisation, digitisation, and modernisation of processes.
• Wildcard: Innovations that add value to Sodexo’s business and that of its clients.

Applications for the programme close on 25th February 2024, at 23:59. Successful applicants will begin in May, with the programme facilitated by corporate innovation specialist, L Marks.

Daniel Saunders, CEO of L Marks, said: “We are delighted at L Marks to continue our long-standing partnership with Sodexo and launch of the Global Accelerator. Sodexo has proven commitment to innovation, with dozens of successful implementations to date. Within this new programme, we are excited to uncover the most innovative solutions that will deliver value for Sodexo and its clients across the globe.”