The Launch of ‘John Keells X’ : Open Innovation Challenge

The internal launch of John Keells X, presented by the John Keells Digitisation Team, took place on 30th June 2016 at the JKH Auditorium.

Further to the Group recognising the need to disrupt traditional business models through digitization in order to improve process efficiencies and enhance customer experiences, October 2015 saw the launch of the drive on disruptive innovation within the Group. “John Keells X” is an initiative within this disruptive innovation landscape, aimed at galvanising the creative and intellectual talent of the staff and general public, in a competition format. This challenge is open to any individual or team that wishes to present world-class disruptive innovative ideas and will stand the chance of winning up to Rs. 3 million in prize money and potentially further funding for commercial ventures.

At yesterday’s event Muditha Senerath Yapa, AVP & Head of John Keells Research & Inshard Naizer AVP Corp Finance, both of whom are members of the Group’s Digitisation Team together made presentations on Global trends on disruptive innovation and also the competition format.

Kumudu from Corp Comms giving the introduction

Muditha opening the forum with his presentation

Inshard giving the competition format and the guidelines

 This was followed by a session where Eneeshya Perera, Executive at Corp Finance and Mevan Peries, Assistant Manager CHML shared their thoughts on digitisation within JKH and in Sri Lanka.

Eneeshya

Mevan

The final segment was a panel discussion and Q & A; the panel comprised of Chairman, Mr. Susantha Ratnayake and Harsha Senanayake AVP SGIT and member of the Digitisation Team. The discussion was moderated by Nadeem Shums Manager John Keells Land, who is also a member of the Digitisation Team.

Nadeem, Chairman & Harsha at the panel discussion

Pravin Jayasinghe from JKSB during Q & A

Those who wish to participate in this challenge can register online at www.johnkeellsx.com before August 10th 2016. The website also contains more information about the challenge, including details of the selection process which will commence in August with the “Open Day” and continue to the “Demo Day” in October 2016. During this time, the shortlisted applicants will not only get the opportunity to meet their peers but also interact with the leadership of the John Keells Group, through a series of events.

Interaction with John Keells X does not end with ‘Demo Day’; the relationships built with JKH will help individuals and teams to better understand the surrounding factors which need to be considered when navigating the tough path of a start-up. JKH may also help promising start-ups to secure long term funding if they meet the benchmarks set by the Group.

For more information & clarifications, please refer to the John Keells X website www.johnkeellsx.com or Facebook page www.facebook.com/johnkeellsx or please reach out to do Digitisation Team at [email protected]