At a glance

Untapped Innovation has launched Innovation Gym, a toolkit designed to help FMCG R&D teams develop products more effectively and efficiently. The toolkit includes eight digital tools aimed at improving product development processes by aligning them with consumer needs, thus increasing the success rate of new product launches. This initiative addresses the high failure rate of consumer product launches by providing a structured framework that enhances speed and rigour in R&D efforts.

R&D product innovation agency, Untapped Innovation, has launched Innovation Gym - a new toolkit to support effective and efficient product development by in-house R&D professionals. Created by Untapped Innovation’s founding partners, Innovation Gym turns decades of FMCG R&D experience into guided digital tools that teams can apply directly into real life product development. It aims to support the swift creation of successful products which resonate with consumers.

Innovation Gym provides a ready-to-use framework for live projects at any stage. It uses eight tools designed specifically to develop better products faster, including the Ideal Product Model and Product Story. Designed as a complete toolkit, it helps teams to clarify product briefs and hone in on what consumers actually want. The tools can be used throughout product development to help maximise chances of success from the outset. R&D teams simply work with the tool themselves, using their own research, technical knowledge and project inputs. As a result, processes are more diligent and effective, minimising opportunities for rework or delays.

Deirdre Walters, founding partner of Untapped Innovation, said: “Innovating today is harder than ever - 75-85% of consumer product launches fail. R&D teams need to move faster to develop better products more consistently. With Innovation Gym, we’ve specifically designed the tools to help teams elevate their product development hit rate.” 

“Speed is key within today’s R&D environment but rigour remains paramount,” continues Sally Kemkers, founding partner of Untapped Innovation. “Having spent years directly within R&D and then advising teams ourselves, we understand the challenges and have created Innovation Gym to deliver what R&D teams need right now.” 

Innovation Gym is available on an annual subscription. Additional tools and add-ons including live case studies and project application sessions, plus more seats, can be purchased as required.

Editorial insight

Digital tools designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of R&D processes are becoming increasingly common as FMCG companies seek to reduce the high failure rate of new product launches. The introduction of a toolkit targeting in-house R&D teams reflects ongoing pressures to deliver commercially successful products at pace, while managing risk and resource constraints.

For R&D professionals, practical frameworks that can be integrated into existing workflows may offer a way to address both operational challenges and market demands. The focus on guided, ready-to-use tools aims to support teams in clarifying briefs and aligning product development with consumer needs, which remains a central concern for FMCG businesses facing intense competition and shifting consumer preferences.

Story ideas and journalist angles

Economic impact

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