K-CHALLENGE PROGRAM

The Kimberly-Clark Digital Innovation Lab (D'Lab) K-Challenge program - is an open invitation to entrepreneurs, technology startups and makers to bring innovation to the consumer goods category. The challenge program, now in its fourth year, invites the best start-ups, entrepreneurs and makers from around the globe to help create consumer-driven technology solutions for its well-known global brands such as Kleenex, Huggies, Depend and Kotex. Select startup companies and makers will collaborate with the D’Lab to create competitive advantages in the marketplace, combining the speed and technology of and entrepreneur with the market knowledge, distribution and global scale of Kimberly-Clark brands.

K-CHALLENGE EVENTS

Selected K-Challenge finalists will be invited to pitch their solution in front of Kimberly-Clark’s management in one or more events:

UPCOMING EVENTS
  • Shopper: July 27th 2017, Chicago, IL USA
The K-Challenge Shopper event will showcase startups with disruptive new technologies in the shopper/retail area. Specifically technologies to enable an optimal consumer experience at each inflection point along the omnichannel path-to-purchase to drive discovery, conversion and repeat. Submission Deadline: June 15th 2016.

KEY FOCUS AREAS
  • Future of Search
  • CX 1:1: Customization and a Mobile First Lens
  • Digital/Mobile Couponing
  • CRM - Evolving Beyond Email

PAST EVENTS
  • March, 2017, Austin, TX, USA
  • May 2016, Singapore
  • January 2016, Las Vegas, NV, USA
  • December 2015, London, UK
  • October 2015, Neenah, WI, USA
  • January 2015, Las Vegas, NV, USA
  • January 2014, Las Vegas, NV, USA

Submissions will be considered for all D'Lab programs, yet applicants may mark their preference, if any, in the Submission form. Select startups will be considered for global cooperation, regardless of the event location.

The K-Challenge will grant selected startups an opportunity to pilot their solution with one of Kimberly-Clark’s global brands and receive mentoring, market data, distribution and marketing support.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR

The D’Lab is looking for inspiring technological innovations (products, services or experiences) in the areas of:

  • OMNI-CHANNEL SHOPPER EXPERIENCES

    OMNI-CHANNEL SHOPPER EXPERIENCES

  • DATA & PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS

    DATA & PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS

  • CYBER SECURITY

    CYBER SECURITY

  • INTERNET-OF-THINGS/WEARABLES/CONNECTED DEVICES

    INTERNET-OF-THINGS/
    WEARABLES/CONNECTED DEVICES

  • CONTENT & MEDIA EXPERIENCES

    CONTENT & MEDIA EXPERIENCES

  • INTERNET-OF-THINGS/WEARABLES/CONNECTED DEVICES

    SUPPLY CHAIN/OPERATIONS SOLUTIONS

KEY DATES FOR THE UPCOMING SHOPPER K-CHALLENGE

  • Submission period starts May 10th 2017
  • Submission period ends June 15 th 11:59 PM GMT

THE DIGITAL INNOVATION LAB

The Digital Innovation Lab (D’Lab) is Kimberly-Clark’s answer to the unprecedented pace of consumer change driven by disruptive technologies. The D’Lab is an open-source innovation model focused on working with entrepreneurs and technology startups to bring disruptive technologies to K-C global businesses. The goal is to drive competitive advantage in the marketplace while winning the hearts and minds of our consumers. The D’Lab engages with startups, technology partners and the academic community in innovation hotbeds around the globe and matches their unique skills and capabilities to the most appropriate K-C brands globally. The D’Lab sponsors pilot programs with startups and works to create joint paths to success for our brands and our technology partners. The D’Lab is a reflection of K-C’s heritage as a company built on innovation and our commitment to bring new ideas that add value to our consumers, customers and company.

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 K-C’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 No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in 80 countries. To keep up with the latest K-C news and to learn more about the Company’s 143-year history of innovation, visit www.kimberly-clark.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.