Marriott Hotels launches second annual search for TestBED accelerator start-ups

Marriott Hotels launches second annual search for TestBED accelerator start-ups

Marriott Hotels has started a search for tech start-ups for the second year of its European accelerator programme TestBED. Continue reading

Marriott Hotels has started a search for tech start-ups for the second year of its European accelerator programme TestBED.

The scheme gives fledgling firms the chance to grow through expert guidance and the opportunity to pilot their products within the Marriott Hotels portfolio in Europe.

This year the company is looking for ideas to help innovate and inspire creative thinking around the entire guest experience covering:

  • The in-room experience
  • Transforming the overall guest experience, in and out of the hotel
  • Helping guests find headspace to flourish and stay inspired

Start-ups can submit their ideas via MarriottTestBED.com with a deadline of July 7.

Entrants will be whittled down to a shortlist of eight invited to pitch to a panel of industry experts, including Georgie Barrat, presenter of The Gadget Show, and senior Marriott figures on August 22-23.

The three most promising companies will then embark on a ten-week programme in which they will pilot their idea in a Marriott hotel in Europe. They will also receive mentoring and training.

Marriott International vice president premium and select brands Europe, John Licence, said: “TestBED provides us with the ideal testing ground to find, nurture and test cutting-edge products that have the power to transform the travel and hotel experience.

“TestBED is a powerful platform and proposition that gives start-ups the invaluable opportunity to tap into our operational expertise and test their products in a live hotel environment while exposing us to the creativity and disruptive thinking that lies in the start-up community.”