‘Brainbox’ innovation program fosters employee entrepreneurship with once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

The Dentsu Aegis Network has launched an idea incubator program to nurture innovative and creative thinking among the employees of its 20 agency brands.

The program, titled Brainbox, invites employees across Australia and New Zealand to pitch a game-changing idea for the chance to receive financial investment and mentoring, media spend to trial the concept, a weekly time allowance to work on the idea and a partnership with the RMIT Fastrack Innovation Program. Essentially, a ‘money can’t buy’ opportunity to collaborate with some of Australia’s brightest entrepreneurial students.

Brainbox is one of several programs launched this year by Dentsu Aegis Network’s Innovation Council to generate initiatives that drive innovative behaviour and thinking across the business. The Innovation Council is chaired by Konrad Spilva, CEO of Isobar, supported by an experienced and dedicated cross-section of senior leaders from across the Dentsu Aegis Network. 

Other Innovation Council programs launched this year include:

• Emerge and Masterclass events – focusing on thought-leadership on emerging topics and trends 
• Dentsu Aegis Network Debates – promoting inter-agency cross collaboration
• York Butter Factory partnership – providing employees and clients access to a new stream of innovation, creativity and industry connections. 

Simon Ryan, CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network ANZ said, “Brainbox embodies all of the key things we champion at Dentsu Aegis Network – innovation, empowerment of our people and collaboration.”

“Our ambition is to innovate the way brands are built, and with Brainbox we are striving to foster that culture of innovation and creative thinking from the inside out.”

Konrad Spilva, who is also Head of Innovation for Dentsu Aegis Network said, “We have incredibly talented people within our business and Brainbox is all about encouraging our people to apply some of the innovation methodologies we practice for our clients to their own thinking. 

“It’s exciting to see the business make this investment. The buzz within the teams and individuals participating is incredible and I can’t wait to see the winning idea evolve.” 

Following a period of shortlisting, Brainbox will culminate with a ‘shark tank’ pitch night early next year with judges to include Dentsu Aegis Network senior leaders and guest judges from media and University partners.