Lowe’s Innovation Labs, the disruptive innovation hub of Lowe’s Companies, Inc, is expanding its network into Bengaluru by launching a startup accelerator focused on developing priority technologies including augmented and virtual reality, 3D scanning and printing, and robotics.

Startups at LIL-Bangalore will participate in an intensive 16-week accelerator program and have the opportunity to partner with the Lowe’s Innovation Labs to deploy their technology in the US interested startups are encouraged to apply online.

“In our first year, Lowe’s Innovation Labs demonstrated a bias toward action – doing and not just talking, and Bangalore will be an extension of our team’s work in the US,” said Kyle Nel, executive director of Lowe’s Innovation Labs.

“We are energized by the talent and community in Bengaluru, and are excited to build our global portfolio with a focus on developing entrepreneurs in addition to technology,” he added.

Lowe’s created Lowe’s Innovation Labs in 2014 to bring together uncommon partners with a commitment to get technology out of the lab and into the real world.

Beginning with science fiction prototyping to craft a narrative for the future, in its first year Lowe’s Innovation Labs collaborated with startups to introduce the Lowe’s Holoroom, an augmented reality home improvement design tool, the OSHbot autonomous retail service robot and in-store and online 3D scanning and printing.

LIL-Bangalore is expected to open in December in the heart of downtown Bangalore’s startup-rich community. Future LIL-Bangalore initiatives will include an incubator program to further develop talent and technology, and partnerships with leading Bangalore universities to sponsor research.

anil.u@thehindu.co.in

Published on August 26, 2015