QUINCY, MA - Looking to evolve the supply chain through supplier development, Ahold Delhaize USA’s service arm Retail Business Services is joining forces with ADUSA Supply Chain and Innovation Studio to launch the fourth annual SEED Start-Up Immersion Program. Through the five-week intensive program, start-ups will be able to build vital relationships to accelerate success.

“We are always looking to develop our innovation portfolio,” said Brooks Thompson, Director of Innovation Pipeline for Retail Business Services. “By expanding the program to include two winners, we will be able to leverage more technologies to benefit the Ahold Delhaize USA brands as they enhance the omnichannel customer experience—which is highly dependent on the efficiency and effectiveness of the food supply chain.”

This year, the scope of the SEED program has been expanded, with two winners now being selected at the end of the five-week session. According to a press release, one winner will focus on enhancing all or part of the total customer experience, and one will focus on driving efficiency and effectiveness in the supply chain, a key factor in the omnichannel experience.

“Over the past four years, this program has shown to be beneficial for start-ups and our teams as we collaborate to shape the future of grocery retail,” said Harsh Harshvardhan, Innovation Specialist for ADUSA Supply Chain Services. “We’re excited to learn from our experience in the past and host an impactful program this year.”

The program will also utilize the best of Innovation Studio’s programming expertise with exclusive access inside the grocery retail ecosystem. Additionally, SEED will help companies grow their connections with Ahold Delhaize USA operations, as well as accelerate Ahold’s companies’ work with a diverse and innovative supplier base.

“We believe the proper connection between startups and corporations generates the discovery of new business models, new products and new technologies, as well as digitalization of processes and business expansion,” said Walther Morales Rios, Associate Director of Entrepreneurship for Innovation Studio. “We are honored to partner with Retail Business Services and ADUSA Supply chain to continue to impact the entrepreneurial community.”

Applications are now open to start-ups until May 15, 2022. The program will kick off July 18 and will last through August 23, 2022.

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Retail Business Services ADUSA Supply Chain Innovation Studio