Lab 1.0: 30-minute innovation

Summary of LAB 1.0 and Its Impact on Innovation

Concept of LAB 1.0 LAB 1.0, led by Panasonic’s innovation team, is a unique initiative designed to drive real-world innovation by correcting the traditional risk/reward profile of new ideas. The initiative takes inspiration from TED Talks and A&E’s Iconoclasts series to create highly interactive events where thought leaders, startups, investors, and corporate partners collaborate to generate fresh innovations in real time.

A key feature of LAB 1.0 is its "live on stage" innovation process, where a sealed envelope containing a surprise object is opened, challenging participants to rapidly reimagine and innovate solutions related to a particular theme (e.g., fitness, fashion, travel, food).

How It Shaped Innovation LAB 1.0 has significantly influenced the innovation landscape by:

1. Shifting the Risk/Reward Profile – It views failure as a learning process, fostering an environment where companies can experiment with new ideas without the usual high-stakes pressure.
2. Building Strategic Partnerships – It connects startups, accelerators, corporate leaders, and investors to create an innovation ecosystem.
3. Live Experimentation & Proof of Concept (PoC) Development – Through its unique event format, LAB 1.0 facilitates real-time ideation and prototype development, leading to tangible PoC projects (27 successful projects recorded).
4. Fostering Collaboration Across Industries – By involving various stakeholders such as engineers, designers, manufacturers, and investors, LAB 1.0 accelerates the journey from idea to execution.
5. ROI-driven Innovation – The initiative measures success through PoC deals, intellectual property (IP) generation, startup partnerships, and network expansion, providing a structured approach to validating innovation.

LAB 1.0 has hosted 14 successful events, generating 133 innovation ideas and engaging 502 entrepreneurs, 85 investors, and 53 corporate partners. Its approach makes innovation more actionable, collaborative, and results-driven.