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.
Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.

Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.

The lowdown on FuturePlus, the startup that's on a mission to make sustainability accessible, achievable and affordable for all businesses.

John McLachlan, author and co-founder of Monkey Puzzle Training & Consultancy examines the differences between action-oriented and reflective leaders and which approach is best.

The fitness app that's not just about physical fitness; GoJoe helps employers to engage, motivate and connect their people across all pillars of wellbeing.

Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.

Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.

London-based startup Deep Render tackles the internet’s data and bandwidth challenges via its innovative AI-powered file compression technology.

The lowdown on Dublin-based startup and NUI Maynooth spin-out Neuromod Devices and its innovative evidence-based bimodal neuromodulation treatment for chronic tinnitus.

With the clear shift towards generative AI, Richard Hayes, search director at digital marketing agency Catalyst explores what it means for SEO...
Published on: 20th April 2016
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Startup Sook Receives Investment from Tobin Capital 24th May 2023 Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.
- L Marks Seeking Startups and Scaleups for Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator 23rd May 2023 Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.
- United Utilities Innovation Lab launches call-out for innovative ideas for fifth programme 18th May 2023 Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.
- OneTech Spins Out from Capital Enterprise to Support Underserved Communities in Tech Across the UK 18th May 2023 Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.