The John Lewis Partnership has announced an expansion of its retail technology innovation programme, JLAB, running throughout the year rather than as a one-off 12 week event.

Now in its fifth year, there will now be three chances in 2018 for both established businesses and new startups to participate.

Waitrose joined the JLAB programme in 2017 and is setting the first challenge this year, looking for digital propositions that provide customers with advice and inspiration that make it easier for them to lead healthy lifestyles and eat more healthily.

Successful applicants will have access to advice and mentorship from John Lewis and Waitrose senior leaders, product validation from retail experts and customers, investment from the JLAB fund and office space.

John Vary, futurologist at the John Lewis Partnership, said: “As more and more businesses face digital disruption, it’s increasingly important for the Partnership to stay committed to the ideals of our founder, John Spedan Lewis, by experimenting and nurturing innovation both inside and outside our business.”

Applications close at midnight on 25 May 2018. The John Lewis Partnership and True will then select a small group to pitch in June and successful businesses will be announced at a showcase later on in the year.

Last year’s winners - WeFiFo, which connects home chefs, supper club hosts and professional chefs with paying guests, and Exaactly, an intelligent addressing system that aims to put an end to failed deliveries - received £100,000 investment from John Lewis.

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