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01 Challenge 2021

Innovation fueled by you

Applications are now closed

You are the future

Sumitomo Corporation has partnered with corporate innovation experts L Marks to create the 0-1 Challenge. The goal of this programme is to bring together colleagues with ideas and capabilities to create new forward-thinking solutions for Sumitomo Corporation. We firmly believe that our people are the most important asset we have. You are the future and the lifeblood of our organisation.

We encourage all employees in the EMEA&CIS region to apply by submitting your innovative new business ideas via the Bridge Portal. Selected teams would have the opportunity to develop their idea over a 16-week period with the help of L Marks and Mentors.

For us to succeed, we aim to build a culture of innovation within the business by encouraging, supporting and promoting the entrepreneurial behaviour of our employees.

“I am pleased to announce the return of the 0-1 Challenge in FY21. This programme is one of the key initiatives in SHIFT 2023 to create next-generation business and encourage an intrapreneurship mindset. I am very much expecting to see diverse ideas coming from across EMEA&CIS region to promote innovation and to create future value for Sumitomo Corporation Group. Together with the General Manager of each region, I will fully support your challenge and active proposals. I am looking forward to seeing your enthusiasm in the programme!”

Iehisa Nakamura
General Manager for EMEA&CIS

What’s happening and when

July 26th 2021

September 06th 2021

September 20th 2021

October 25th 2021

November 23rd 2021

February 15th 2022

May 02nd 2022


Important Information

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0-1 Challenge 2021 Guidelines Presentation

The benefits

Visibility and status among peers

By participating in the programme you will gain visibility and status amongst your peers as you are recognised as an innovation champion.

Network with investors

Connect and grow your business idea with the support and knowledge of leading global investors from Venture Capital and independents.

Transform your idea into a real business

Submit an innovative idea to improve or advance the business and you could have the opportunity to bring your idea to life.

Exposure to Sumitomo leadership

Gain significant exposure to the company senior leadership team as you work on highly visible innovation projects.

Build knowledge & experience of innovation processes

Learn and practice new innovation skills, tools and techniques that you will be able to apply in your daily role to make you a “stand out” performer.

Certification in Innovation & Intrapreneurship

Become a member of the cohort to graduate from the intra-lab and gain a certificate in Innovation &
Intrapreneurship.

What people have said

Have a look at what previous Participants and External Mentors said.

Our partner

L Marks is transforming world-leading organizations and establishing innovation as a key characteristic of their businesses through integrating pioneering technologies and inspiring an entrepreneurial ethos.

Working with some of the worlds’ best-known brands, including BMW, Lloyd’s of London, and Arsenal FC, L Marks is the engine powering innovation programs across various sectors and has launched over 60 initiatives across the UK, Europe, Israel, Japan, and the US.

Founded with an appreciation that collaboration is the accelerant for purposeful change, L Marks is combining expert mentorship, agile methodologies, and a results-driven approach to empower and equip employees to develop new ideas into business solutions, driving a dynamic culture and, ultimately, fueling growth.

Through creating these relationships and experiences, L Marks is sustaining the future longevity of business and making change happen.

L Marks
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