Project application

grow platform aims to foster disruptive and explorative business models that are directly aligned with Bosch’s global corporate strategy.

Based on the corporate strategy, we are therefore looking for projects and business models that leverage sensors, software and/or services, incorporate connectivity (IoT) and/or, potentially, accelerate our value creation lifecycle in combination with or through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Projects or business models do not have to feature the entire (resulting) key technology of AIoT in full combination. This combination of AI and IoT (= AIoT) is favored, but is not a reason for exclusion if only one technology is used.

A few other factors we also like to see are projects that capitalize on a Bosch “unfair advantage” and cross business segment boundaries or beyond existing division business. Furthermore, we are looking for fast, scalable opportunities in markets with no dominant players or where current players’ power is eroding.

When it comes to innovation, there are many different levels of maturity ranging from a search field to an idea to a scalable business model. Measured according to phases and criteria of the Bosch Innovation Framework, projects must have passed through all phases defined before incubation or have a comparable maturity status.

Concept validation working packages should be almost complete or in progress. Possible gate criteria to consider might be an existing proof of concept (PoC), analyzed capabilities for success of the business model, an identified and validated customer segment, or an existing (and successfully integrated) minimum viable product (MVP).

Unicorns are products or services that have the potential to generate sales of €1 billion within 10 years of their market launch.

The overriding premise from which unicorn potential is derived is the direct added value resulting from a new, disruptive business model. Accordingly, we are looking for business models that can meet the relevant targets for Bosch, taking into account internal indicators such as profit margin measured by EBIT and return on investment. Applying teams are not required to demonstrate precise figures at the time of application, but they do need to have a clear potential.

In order to implement successful business in a start-up environment, the team as such has the highest priority. Only high-performance teams will lead a business to great success. Team features such as social cohesion, collaboration style, and team members’ competencies decide in challenging times whether teams manage to survive and whether team members feel something is worth working hard for.

Every team may have specifics that make it successful. Based on research results, our experience, and cooperation with existing teams, grow platform has defined five main criteria for high-performance teams. These include specific key competencies (soft and hard skills for the general business, the specific domain and start-up environment), a transparent structure, the ability to shape, learn, and solve on a continuous basis, team care skills, and psychological safety.