DALLAS, Jan. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimberly-Clark and
its Digital Innovation Lab, or D'Lab, has renewed its global call
for open-source innovation to help solve the biggest challenges
facing the consumer package goods category.
The company's annual K-Challenge invites the best start-ups,
entrepreneurs and makers from around the world to help create
consumer-driven technology solutions for its well-known global
brands such as Kleenex, Huggies, Depend and Kotex.
"Consumer adoption of new technologies is increasing at an
unprecedented rate, and brands must look to the forward edges of
innovation to identify new ways to connect with their digitally
savvy consumers," said Scott
Usitalo, Kimberly-Clark's Chief Marketing Officer. "Startups
represent a large part of this forward edge and the K-Challenge is
an ideal interface for agile entrepreneurs and makers to connect
with Kimberly-Clark's global brands."
The K-Challenge program is primarily focused on inviting
start-ups, entrepreneurs and makers with proven solutions in six
key areas:
- Omni-channel Shopper Experiences
- Data & Predictive Analytics
- Content & Media Experiences
- Internet-of-Things/Wearables/Connected Devices
- Supply Chain/Operations Solutions
- Cyber Security
"Today's consumer wants a personalized approach, not a segmented
approach, so we're applying the principles of maniacal consumer
centricity, rich user experiences, and algorithmic capabilities
throughout the enterprise to create those connection points across
consumer, customer, operations and business services," said
Suja Chandrasekaran,
Kimberly-Clark's Chief Information Officer. "By partnering with
technology entrepreneurs through the D'Lab, our brands can more
quickly leverage the very best innovation in the market."
Selected solutions will work on pilot programs with
Kimberly-Clark and its brands in one or more of its regions around
the world. They will also benefit from Kimberly-Clark's
global CPG experience, distribution, and mentorship to develop
their companies further while testing their products on a global
scale.
To be eligible for the K-Challenge, a start-up, entrepreneur or
maker must have a working tech solution, and be funded at seed
level or above. The application deadline is January 17, 2017 for the K-Challenge event to be
held in Austin, TX at SXSW
(March 8-9, 2017). For applications
and more information about the K-Challenge, please visit
kcdlab.com.
About Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its well-known global brands are an
indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries.
Every day, nearly a quarter of the world's population trust
Kimberly-Clark's brands and the solutions they provide to enhance
their health, hygiene and well-being. With brands such as Kleenex,
Scott, Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds
the No. 1 or No. 2 share position in 80 countries. To keep up with
the latest news and to learn more about the company's 144-year
history of innovation, visit http://www.kimberly-clark.com or
follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
[KMB-B]
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kimberly-clark-looking-for-innovation-partners-to-create-solutions-for-digitally-savvy-consumers-300385645.html
SOURCE Kimberly-Clark