Case Studies

Executive Summary

Cisco commissioned Leading Edge Only to create their own Innovation Network to source new solutions in Cyber Security and the Internet of Things. The Network showcased only the most promising start-up innovations and was limited to just 50 startups.

The Outcome

Cisco's Network on LEO has expanded their network and connectivity to startups, which they believe will help them in the future. Many introductions have been made and Cisco are looking to partner with a number of these, with the aim to deliver new products to market.

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“Our Cisco 50 Network enabled us to both find and highlight some of the great early stage talent in the UK working in cybersecurity and the Internet of Things (IoT) sectors.”

Tom Kneen, Head Of Business Development, British Innovation Gateway (BIG), Cisco UK and Ireland

Executive Summary

Virgin Atlantic commissioned Leading Edge Only to create their own Innovation Network to source new solutions. They wanted to improve the following areas:

1. Customer experience for business travellers

2. Customer experience for families

3. Bring the excitement back to air travel for leisure passengers

The Outcome

Virgin Atlantic's Challenge was posted on the LEO platform for 3 months. In that time, the LEO team sourced 35 new solutions and 15 experts for them.

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“We are delighted with the service we received from Leading Edge Only. It was a challenging brief, but they found a number of innovative solutions that we were unaware of, and which we believe could add additional value for our customer.” 

Matt Webster, Senior Customer Experience Manager, Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd

Executive Summary

Fujitsu engaged Leading Edge Only (LEO) to provide innovative solutions in Sustainable Technologies within Manufacturing, Retail, Hospitality, the Public Sector, and Finance. Fujitsu were searching for solutions that were either in development (with the ability to deliver into a POC) or ready for market and supply into Northern-Western Europe.

Incorporating responsible business practices, Fujitsu aimed to push sustainability not just to their customers, but also into wider society through their multiple sector approaches.

The Outcome

A 2-week campaign was conducted, in which LEO utilised their connections within the innovation market to ask industry leaders, academics, SMEs, and Experts to submit their solutions for sustainable technologies, to the Fujitsu Network.

A total of 35 applications were received and reviewed and as a result, Fujitsu selected 5 successful applicants to participate in the Fujitsu Partner Showcase Virtual Event.

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“I’ve seen the value and benefits of taking customer challenges to LEO. Together we address business challenges by scouting for great innovators, experts and startups.” 

Kevin Collins, Co-Creation and Partner Management, Fujitsu

Executive Summary

Kerry Taste and Nutrition commissioned Leading Edge Only to create their own Innovation Network to source new solutions. They wanted to improve the following areas:

1. Novel probiotic / prebiotic compounds

2. Novel Clean label ingredients / compounds

3. New sources/forms of protein for nutrition or meat free applications

The Outcome

Many introductions have been made through Kerry Taste & Nutrition's Network on the LEO platform and they are looking to partner with a number of these, with the aim to deliver new products to market.

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“LEO has connected us with innovators that we will partner with to potentially launch new products. It has also expanded our network and connectivity to start-ups which we believe will help us in future.”

Karl O’Donovan, Global R,D&A Director, Kerry Taste and Nutrition

Executive Summary

Tata Steel commissioned Leading Edge Only to create their own Innovation Network to source new solutions. They wanted to improve the following areas:

1. Easier to Open Steel-Cans

2. Next Generation Insulation for Construction

3. Innovative Connectors for Steel Enabled Construction

4. Protective Coatings for Steel Strip

The Outcome

LEO successfully introduced 5 relevant companies to Tata Steel over the Network Challenge period. They have since invited one to join in a UK Government grant scheme in order to continue the relationship. The remainder of the innovators are still in conversation to bring to a commercial deal.

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“Leading Edge Only have provided relevant insight into a number of our high-level manufacturing challenges which have led to several successful conversations and partnerships.”

Pete Longdon, Manager, New Technology and Innovation, Tata Steel

Executive Summary

Waitrose & Partners commissioned Leading Edge Only to create their own Innovation Network to source new solutions. They wanted to improve the following areas:

1. Customer Service Management

2. Retail Services Management

3. Customer Checkout Management

4. Stock Management

5. Partner Lifecycle Management and more

The Outcome

Leading Edge Only worked with Waitrose & Partners on a 12-month Premium license. LEO sourced a total of 55 solutions, arranged 9 innovators to pitch their ideas which led to 3 proposals and 2 shop implementation tests.

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“Leading Edge Only provided Waitrose & Partners with a constant stream of relevant innovations across several key areas of our innovation strategy. In total we invited 9 innovators to pitch, resulting in 3 proposals and 2 shop tests being arranged. We are very much looking forward to our second year with LEO and the continued results!”

Stuart Eames, Retail Innovation Lead, Waitrose & Partners