VEVEY, SWITZERLAND — Nestle is launching a digital platform for young innovators and entrepreneurs. The Nestle Youth Entrepreneurship Platform will provide opportunities to learn new knowledge and skills, test ideas and grow businesses. Areas of focus range from food science and technology to the development of products and services, including regenerative agriculture and sustainable packaging.

“At Nestle we work with startups, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers to drive innovation, bring good ideas to market fast and provide nutritious, sustainable and affordable products for a growing world population,” said Stefan Palzer, chief technology officer of Nestle. “Our new digital platform supports young people to bring great ideas to life across the food value chain, shaping the future of food.”

Bringing together existing innovation initiatives and programs, the platform offers access to the Nestle Entrepreneurship Academy, as well as customized content and resources from specific geographies. Programs include the Nestle R+D Accelerator, which brings together company scientists, students and startups to boost innovation and speed to market, plus pet care-focused Purina Unleashed and regional initiatives such as Ignite Ideas, Reto Culinario and CEO X Youth Connect.

Nestle introduced its global Nestle Needs YOUth initiative in 2013 to help young people gain important skills for future careers. The effort has benefited more than 4 million youth across the three pillars of employability, “agripreneurship” and entrepreneurship. Through its new platform, Nestle is investing in early-stage companies and empowering young entrepreneurs to bring innovative ideas to market.

“Young entrepreneurs need guidance, support, and above all, opportunities and platforms where their voices can be heard and their ideas realized,” said Laurent Freixe, Nestle’s chief executive officer for Latin America and founder of the Nestle Needs YOUth initiative. “This includes building their knowledge and skills, testing their ideas in real-life situations, getting feedback from their audiences and receiving support to take their concept to the next level.

“The Nestle Youth Entrepreneurship Platform will help equip them with the skills, experience and mindset they need to kick-start their idea and business.”

Access to the platform, at nestleyouthentrepreneurship.com, is free.