Sysco LABS was the Main Partner for TEDx Colombo 2023. The Sri Lankan iteration of the global conference returned after a 3-year hiatus with a sensational and bold theme.

The event took place on the 27th of August at the Monarch Imperial and saw more than 750 attendees gathering to listen to a series of thought-provoking ideas and stories around this year’s theme: R-Evolution. This is the first time Sysco LABS has partnered with TEDx but the US technology corporate has a rich history of promoting knowledge-sharing.The TEDx platform 'ideas worth spreading', is an ethos that resonates deeply with Sysco LABS’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and out-of-the-box thinking. As a dynamic technology company known for its innovative approach, Sysco LABS has embodied a culture driven by creativity, innovation, and the constant pursuit of breakthrough concepts beyond its technological prowess. Apart from supporting platforms like TEDx, Rasika Karunatilake, Managing Director of Sysco LABS, shed light on the strategies Sysco LABS employed to nurture a thriving ecosystem of ideas and innovation, stating, “At Sysco LABS, we believe in fostering a culture where ideas flourish, and innovation thrives. Our unwavering commitment to cultivating such an environment is reflected in initiatives such as Project Summit – our software engineering fast-track program, Perf Up, and Engineering Nexus – our industry technology sharing initiatives as well as our collaborative efforts with universities. We are not just shaping technology; but we are shaping a mindset of boundless creativity. This is why we chose to support platforms like TEDx Colombo – because we want more creative thinkers and innovators coming into the industry.”

Safra Anwer, licensee of TEDxColombo, expressed, "Sysco LABS shares our vision of a world enriched by transformative ideas. The ‘T’ in TED stands for technology, so having Sysco LABS as our Main Partner for TEDxColombo was a perfect match. The ‘Sysco LABS Delivery Dash’ game and installation they designed for the Social Space at the event was quite popular with attendees who had fun engaging with it and hopefully learned about the work Sysco LABS does in the foodservice technology space.” Serving as a knowledge catalyst, Sysco LABS empowers, connects, and nurtures communities by seamlessly integrating wisdom and insights. With a dedicated focus on creating and promoting a culture of change and creativity, Sysco LABS continuously strives to redefine possibilities across various domains.

About Sysco LABS

Sysco LABS is the captive innovation arm of Sysco Corporation (NYSE: SYY), the world’s largest foodservice company. Sysco is a Fortune 500 company with more than 71,000 associates, the company operates 333 distribution facilities worldwide and serves more than 700,000 customer locations. For fiscal 2022 that ended July 3, 2022, the company generated sales of more than $68 billion.

Sysco LABS technology is present in the sourcing of food products, merchandising, storage and warehouse operations, order placement and pricing algorithms, the delivery of food and supplies to Sysco’s global network, the in-restaurant dining experience of the end-customer and much more.