JLAB Retail Innovation Accelerator

by Startacus Admin
JLAB- the startup accelerator by John Lewis- is returning for a third year, and is now on the lookout for ambitious startups that are ready to get onto the fast-track.
At Startacus we have followed the progress of the JLAB programme with interest since its inception 3 years ago, and are glad to see it make a return and bring a spot of colour to the London accelerator circuit.
On with the details!
What is JLAB?
It is is an annual 12-week accelerator programme in which major retailer John Lewis throws open its doors to 5 of the most innovative and promising startups in the retail space, that could potentially help improve the company’s operations.
The programme will give startups the opportunity to take their businesses to the next level as well as build deep relationships with the UK’s leading omni-channel retailer.
What will Startups Get?
The 5 startups that are selected to take part in JLAB will be given access to some nice benefits including:
-
Product validation from both John Lewis and their customers
-
Mentorship from John Lewis senior leadership
-
Investment from the JLAB micro-fund (there is a total fund of £200K and each startup will have access to a maximum of £100K)
-
Expert mentors from the retail space
-
Free office space in John Lewis’ London Headquarters
-
A first-class education programme based on the Disciplined Entrepreneurship Method from MIT
Who is it For?
Innovative retail Startups at any stage of development are especially encouraged to apply for this opportunity.
Specifically JLAB has outlined a few key categories that it is particularly interested in with the upcoming programme:
-
Health & Well-Being - Exciting products or services that might help John Lewis customers to take better care of themselves
-
Simplify My Life- i.e. innovations that might help to simplify the lives of John Lewis Customers
-
Effortless Shopping- New ideas which will help to make the shoppers in store / online
-
Tech for Kids- New products that are aimed at kids
-
Surprise us- This is a wildcard category so you can let your imagination run wild!
Applications close on the 8th of May, just pop over the the JLAB website for more info on the programme, and to make your application.
This feature was created with support from the team at L Marks innovation partners.
Good luck to all, and fingers crossed we can get a member of the Startacus community in there!

Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Planning to launch a fashion brand this year? Here are a few basic tips that will help you do just that and get your business off to the right start

Bippit is an online platform and app that helps companies to support the financial needs of their employees - not just via their salary

2021 may be a challenging time to start a business, but these tips should help you get it right...

Startacus and Hatch Enterprise celebrate International Women’s Day by partnering with NetMinds to bring together female founders for a virtual speed networking event

Keeping customers engaged is vital for any small business - these basic tips will help you do just that

Alchemy Technology Services, the Derry-based centre of excellence for insurance software implementation receives recognition for its commitment to diversity

For the first time ever, the Postcode Lotteries Green Challenge has both a British winner and runner up in the form of innovative startups SoluBlue and Jiva Materials

The innovative Italian company that has created Handshield, a hand protection wrap to protect users from bacteria and viruses

If you’re thinking about starting an ecommerce business, these tips will help you do just that...

The lowdown on Pentaform, the London-based startup that has created an easy-to-use and eco-friendly personal computer that is globally accessible
Published on: 20th April 2016
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Startacus and Hatch Enterprise offer speed networking IWD-inspired event 24th Feb 2021 Startacus and Hatch Enterprise celebrate International Women’s Day by partnering with NetMinds to bring together female founders for a virtual speed networking event
- Alchemy Technology Services receives Bronze Diversity Mark NI Award 23rd Feb 2021 Alchemy Technology Services, the Derry-based centre of excellence for insurance software implementation receives recognition for its commitment to diversity
- Groundbreaking British inventions win global sustainability prize 23rd Feb 2021 For the first time ever, the Postcode Lotteries Green Challenge has both a British winner and runner up in the form of innovative startups SoluBlue and Jiva Materials
- Wombat lands £2m investment as appetite for thematic, fractional trading grows 9th Feb 2021 The innovative investment platform Wombat secures major funding to help with further development and to expand the shares and investments on offer