Products & Process

Collaboration won’t just happen by putting different types of businesses in one room. So instead, we’re going to facilitate and manage relationships, like any matchmaker would. The Drugstore has a suite of different products and initiatives available, designed to take companies from first date through to potential marriage.

For those just starting out, first date initiatives include ‘Meet the Makers’ workshops and Supper Clubs, where you’ll get to interact with category relevant start-ups and talk about industry topics and opportunities. From there, hackdays, open innovation programmes and tech MBAs all strengthen the bond between big and small organisations. For those ready to commit, incubator programmes are available, allowing big and small companies to nurture radically innovative products together.

01 MEET THE MAKERS WORKSHOP

A one-day strategy and foresight session bringing C-level executives together with start-up founders for tech inspiration and long-range strategic development.

02 HACKDAYS

Hackdays rally relevant start-ups around a consumer problem over an intensive 48-hour event. Working in mixed teams, staff from established and early stage companies work together to deliver rapid innovation. At the end of the event, prototypes are judged and the winning team is awarded a prize.

03 OPEN INNOVATION

After rigorous problem exploration with C-level executives, the Open Innovation programme offers funding to three relevant start-ups working on products and services that could provide potential, lateral solutions. Over the course of 3 months, the start-ups work closely with the funding company to develop beta solutions, leading to long-term partnerships and collaboration.

04 MANAGED INCUBATOR

After a full evaluation of client strategy, relevant start-ups are selected. These start-ups are based on site at the Publicis Drugstore and receive support and mentoring over 12 months. Every quarter, the start-up will present its findings and developments. Following the incubator, there are potential opportunities for extended partnerships, investment and acquisition.

05 CODEMAKER

A 1-day training course, that enables a deeper understanding of how digital products are built and function, through tuition in the fundamentals of coding and web architecture.

06 THINKING LIKE A START-UP MBA

A 2-3 day training course, that explores the processes and habits of start-ups. Through a series of masterclasses and exercises, you’ll get a flavour of how to play, work and innovate like a start-up.