How We Work

Innovation at Bosch can have a wide variety of origins. The initial spark can come from the central research department through new technologies and innovation search fields, innovation programs, from business units or through outside-in innovation.

Bosch Innovation Framework

The Bosch Innovation Framework (BIF) is a method based on the lean start-up approach, iteratively exploring new businesses and describing the criteria necessary for evaluating the progress (i.e., maturity) of innovations in order to make evidence-based investment decisions. By applying different levels of maturity, innovations are classified and evaluated according to the framework.

Incubation at grow platform

As a data-driven Bosch internal incubator, grow platform focuses on projects, business models, or concepts that have already been elaborated and aim to solve a profound customer problem. In close collaboration with all relevant Bosch entities, grow platform aims to close existing gaps to the business areas.

Learn more about the application process and incubation journey on how to obtain funding by grow platform.

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Innovation network and partners

Throughout the Bosch Group, we strive to create long-term fascination and added value in all business units, which is why innovation and the associated processes can have a wide variety of origins. Learn more about our internal and external network of partners, programs, and initiatives.

Discovery Teams (internal program)

The Discovery Teams work in interdisciplinary, heterogeneous teams, consisting of international Bosch associates, using agile and creativity-promoting methods to develop new approaches that solve user problems. According to the Bosch Innovation Framework, the program may also include strategic framing and further focuses on the problem definition, concept ideation, and concept preparation phases.

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FastHub (internal program)

The accelerator and incubator house FastHub focuses on the specific development of innovation in the Bosch PowerTrain Solutions unit. Associates have the opportunity to submit ideas and validate them in a 100-day program in order to thereafter begin a business unit-specific venture.

The Connectory by Bosch (external innovation community)

The Connectory by Bosch is a global innovation community dedicated to driving co-creation and digital innovation with a strong focus on the internet of things (IoT) across industries, countries, and ecosystems. The community focuses on IoT start-ups, corporations, universities, or civic partners.

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Open Bosch (external venture capital)

Open Bosch is the Bosch Group’s venture client for fast and cost-efficient innovation. Steered by Robert Bosch Venture Capital, the goal is to pave the way for successful partnerships between external start-ups and Bosch.

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Bosch Startup Harbour (external program)

The externally available program, which is run by Bosch Startup Harbour in Berlin, focuses on early-stage deep tech start-ups and innovation through the internet of things (IoT). Also supported by external funding, the initiative’s goal is to enable teams and start-ups to create their first solid business models and minimum viable products (MVP).

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Bosch.IO (IoT service provider)

Bosch.IO brings IoT to life. As an expert and partner in the areas of digitization, connectivity, and artificial intelligence, this global unit particularly helps Bosch internal stakeholders to develop sustainable digital business models, seamless technical integrations, and connected ecosystems.

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Bosch Accelerator Program (internal program)

In the Bosch Accelerator Program, business models are analyzed for scalability, replicability, and profitability. In addition, teams determine whether validated value propositions, a strategic fit for Bosch, prioritized customer segments, or market opportunities exist.

Within the Bosch Innovation Framework, the program focuses on the concept preparation and concept validation phases.

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