FAQs

We offer scale-ups the opportunity to develop products or solutions with Tesco suppliers, gaining access to new customers, markets and funding for successful collaborations.

Open innovation is a paradigm that assumes that firms can and should use external ideas as well as internal ideas, and internal and external paths to market, as the firms look to advance their technology”

Dr. Henry Chesbrough, creator of Open Innovation theory and co-founder of the Open Innovation Community.

What are your sources for the data you use on this site?

We refer to the WWF report 'Thriving within our planetary means.', which you can find here: https://www.wwf.org.uk/sites/default/files/2021-06/Thriving_within_our_planetary_means_full_report.pdf

When is the closing date for submitting an application?

The closing date is 28th February 2022.

What is a scale-up?

A scale-up is a venture or business which has a proven, late-stage innovation which has completed pilot testing and is ready to scale-up to a larger number of customers or markets.

I don’t have a scale-up, I’ve just got an idea… is this appropriate for me?

No, we are looking for implementable solutions at this point. However, we do love great ideas and encourage you take your idea and turn it into a new product or start-up.

I have a great idea, but I’m not technical. Will you still connect with me? Can you help me find programmers to implement my idea?

No, we are looking for established scale-ups, ventures or existing companies with an existing product or solution, either proven prototype or in-market.

We’ve already been working on our scale-up for a while. Is this appropriate for us?

Yes, it is.

We have two products/solutions. Can we submit two applications?

Yes. You can submit more than one.

Do you accept applications from anywhere in the world?

Yes, we do.

Do you only collaborate with start-ups that write software?

No, we'll consider businesses in any field.

I’m developing a new solution. Can I meet with you?

Unfortunately, we can't meet in person with every applicant – especially at present. The application process is the best way to connect.

I'm a Tesco supplier. Can I get involved.

Please email team@tesco-wwf.venturebright.com for more information.

How much funding might be available for successful applicants?

Applicants successfully matched with a Supplier can jointly apply for up to £150,000 in funding from the Tesco & WWF sustainability Innovation Fund for the purpose of running a joint project of up to 12 months. This could cover some, or all, of the project budget and suppliers may also choose to cover some costs or invest themselves.

Can you recommend other investors who might be interested in our solution or innovation?

No, we are focused on solutions and innovations which are a fit for the Tesco-WWF aims for the programme.

We’ve already taken some funding. Can we still apply?

Sure. You may have had funding to get you where you are today, but our focus is on successful connections with Tesco suppliers which meet the environmental aims of the Tesco-WWF programme.

What if we’re doing something expensive?

That’s OK, we'll still consider your application! You can apply for some or all of the budget you require or work with a Tesco supplier to scale or fund your project appropriately.

We don’t really need investment. Does it still make sense to apply?

Yes! The real value comes in being able to gain access to new customers and markets and collaborating directly with some of the world’s biggest brands.

Will you sign an NDA? How do I know you won’t use my idea?

No, we won't sign an NDA at this stage. We ask that you do not disclose any confidential information in your application. Only provide information about your business which is either already in the public domain or which you are happy to share. If your application is successful and we invite you to collaborate, we’ll discuss terms and IP rights with you at that point.

Do we need to write a business plan?

We make decisions based on our application form and encourage you to upload your pitch deck and/or video content there. If you are matched to a Tesco Supplier, we will provide a template for you to complete outlining your planned joint project.

What would a connection look like?

We would expect you to work with a Tesco supplier to deliver a product or service and demonstrate the key benefits of your proposition. This may be in the form of a pilot or scale deployment, a product, process, software, or hardware. The aim is to prove that your solution delivers valuable environmental benefits (in line with a challenge topic) for a Tesco supplier and could be scaled to others.

We don’t want to connect, but will you give us advice?

Unfortunately, we can't provide ad hoc advice, working with the applicants coming through the process takes up all our time. If your product or solution fits one of the areas of interest or one of the current challenges on the site, please apply and if your application gets taken forward, advice is part of the package.