Domino’s has given innovation a big tick with the unveiling of its own innovation lab at its Queensland headquarters.

And not only will the open space help drive fresh ideas from within the food business, it is set to capture emerging technology and innovation from beyond the brand.

Domino’s group CEO and managing director, Don Meij, told Franchise Business “Lots of people have great insights but don’t know how to bring them to life. This can help them research and innovate. It’s a good working environment. We want to encourage start-ups external to the business.”

Meij said Domino’s is looking to benefit from innovation in areas that are complementary to its business.

“We’re very good at commercialising ideas, and we’re a potential customer. In return we get all the exposure to ideas.”

Meij said the new initiative will give the business more of a start-up edge – an important balance to the inevitable corporate focus of a company of its size.

“We have already partnered with a number of start-ups and businesses that have disruptive ideas in the retail and QSR space and are working at the viabililty of applying those ideas to the business and investing in those start-ups,” he said.

“This is a dedicated space set to encourage out-of-the-box thinking both internally to benefit Domino’s customers and externally supporting start-ups, enterpreneurs and disruptive thinkers.

“Innovations driven from the DLAB will focus on adding value to the customer and the overall store experience and will allow us to remain competitive on a global scale.

“We want to encourage team members to put their ideas out there and we will test and put into practice ones we think could inspire great change.

“It really is all about opening the door to what is possible.”

The 153sqm space is designed to house up to 30 to 50 creative thinks, in a shared office environment, with four key break out areas: a backyard tool shed, gaming, garden terrace and library.