FuturistU > Innovation & Change > Adaptive Innovation > Module 4 / 5

Portfolio

Instructor: Jeremy Gutsche
In this module, Jeremy discusses the benefits of managing innovation and ideas the same way one would manage a stock portfolio. Borrowing from his years of experience in the world of finance, Jeremy shows how the methods to test and tolerate risks used in portfolio management can also be applied to business while navigating chaos in pursuit of innovation.

These tactics discuss the importance of diversification when it comes to ideas, where and how to take bets and how to recover from a setback.
Workshop Questions:
1. How might you add more of the scientific or portfolio management approach to your innovation process?
2. If you evaluated new products not by the likelihood of winning but by the size of the bet, what ideas might suddenly be more appealing?
3. If you looked at all of your offerings and new ideas, how would you classify them in terms of low risk, medium risk, and high risk? Do you feel like you have enough projects in each category? With the right buy-in and financial backing?
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Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Slow Sipping
Beverage brands embrace mindful, craft-focused drinking experiences
Trend - Beverage brands are applying the "slow food" philosophy to drinks, prioritizing mindful consumption, local sourcing, and artisanal production methods over convenience. This movement spans categories from coffee and tea to cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages, with brands emphasizing transparency in sourcing, small-batch production, and rituals that encourage consumers to savor rather than gulp.
Workshop Question - What would your product look like if it was designed to be savored over 30 minutes instead of consumed in 30 seconds?
7
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Premium Alcohol Beverage Alternatives
Premium Alcohol Beverage Alternatives
Highpour Spotlights Its Premium THC Seltzers and Margaritas
Highpour, a beverage company based in Austin, Texas, is broadening its assortment of products with two new lines of non-alcoholic drinks that contain hemp-derived THC. The first is a series of... MORE
Low-Alcohol Canned Wines
Low-Alcohol Canned Wines
Tuttavia Entices Young Adults Looking for Lighter Alcohol Options
Tuttavia is a new low-alcohol canned wine brand developed using low-alcohol winemaking techniques, where fermentation is stopped to produce naturally sweet low-alcohol wines. This new range... MORE
Sustainable Dry Rosés
Sustainable Dry Rosés
Pure Project Brewing Partners with Tablas Creek Vineyard
Pure Project Brewing has partnered with Tablas Creek Vineyard to introduce a Provence-style sustainable dry rosé that merges craft beverage innovation with regenerative agriculture principles.... MORE
Ultra-Flavorful Ready-To-Drink Cocktail Ranges
Ultra-Flavorful Ready-To-Drink Cocktail Ranges
The Cooper Spirits Co. Expands Its Slow & Low Range
The Cooper Spirits Co. has announced an extension to its Slow & Low ready-to-drink cocktail range with the introduction of two new variants — the Cherry Old-Fashioned and the Maple... MORE
Mindfulness-Promoting Mezcal Campaigns
Mindfulness-Promoting Mezcal Campaigns
Mezcal El Silencio Runs the Find Your Silence Initiative
Known for its artisanal agave spirits from Oaxaca, Mexico, the brand Mezcal El Silencio has been acquired by the spirits company IJW Whiskey, and the transition to new ownership is accompanied by a... MORE
Plant Yogurt
Plant-based yogurts integrate into daily lives of consumers with dietary concerns
Trend - Dairy brands release plant-based yogurt products in various formats including yogurt cups, frozen yogurts, and yogurt bars. These are designed to offer the benefits of yogurts to consumers with vegan dietary restrictions, with format options accounting for different meals and times of day.
Workshop Question - How can we innovate our product offerings to address both ethical concerns and convenience while appealing to diverse dietary preferences and routines?
7.1
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Greek Frozen Yogurts
Greek Frozen Yogurts
Chara's Pints are All-Natural, Protein-Packed and Rich in Probiotics
More people are fueling up with high-protein meals, snacks, and desserts, making it easier to boost daily intake through everyday eating, and Chara makes the experience especially rewarding with... MORE
Dairy-Like Oat Yogurt Ranges
Dairy-Like Oat Yogurt Ranges
The Fazer Aito Smooth Range Closely Resembles Dairy Yogurt
The Fazer Aito Smooth range has made its debut from the Finnish food company as a plant-based yogurt range that will satisfy consumer demand for dairy-like food experiences. The product range is... MORE
Plant-Based Kids Yogurts
Plant-Based Kids Yogurts
Danone Expands Alpro Portfolio with Launch of Alpro Kids
Danone is introducing Alpro Kids, a new range under its leading dairy-free brand, Alpro. The new lineup includes two delicious drink options: a smooth chocolate-flavoured oat drink and a... MORE
Vegan-Friendly Kids Yogurt Products
Vegan-Friendly Kids Yogurt Products
Alpro Kids Features Oat-Based and Soy-Based Drinks
Alpro Kids is a new range of plant-based dairy alternative products created with parental concerns surrounding healthy eating in mind that don't skimp on flavor or fun. The products include an... MORE
Plant-Based Food Ingredient Ranges
Plant-Based Food Ingredient Ranges
These New ViaMia Products are Ready-to-Use
These new ViaMia products have been created by The Bridge in Italy as a series of plant-based food items perfect for helping consumers to incorporate dairy and egg-free options into their everyday... MORE
Air-Fried Dessert
Brands increasingly make dessert and snack products compatible for the air fryer
Trend - Brands are increasingly launching dessert products that can be warmed up or prepared in the air fryer. These post-meal delights cater to consumers’ desire for convenience and cravings for sweets at home, aligning with the rising popularity of air-fried foods and at-home snacking rituals.
Workshop Question - How can your brand respond to an emerging trend with an appropriate product?
5.3
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Megatrends
Air Fryer-Ready Donuts
Air Fryer-Ready Donuts
CRAVE Dodoughs Can Be Prepared in an Air Fryer in Five-Minutes
Food products crafted to be readily prepared in an air fryer are quickly entering the market, which is seeing brands expand on offerings to include new options like the CRAVE Dodoughs. The sugared... MORE
Frozen Air Fryer Cookies
Frozen Air Fryer Cookies
The Trashy Gourmet Simplifies the Enjoyment of Fresh-Baked Treats at Home
Molly Bz serves up unconventional flavors like Bobadoodles and Hot Mess—loaded with mango chunks and white chocolate, then topped with Hot Cheetos—and the bold, divergent gourmet cookie brand... MORE
Protein Sweet Pancakes
Protein Sweet Pancakes
Bbang's Cinnamon Hotteok Brings Korean Street Food to the Freezer Aisle
Consumer interest in globally inspired street food is on the rise, with many eager to bring the vibrant flavors of these snacks into their own homes, and Cinnamon Hotteok is one sweet, convenient,... MORE
Frozen Veggie-Packed Pastries
Frozen Veggie-Packed Pastries
Veggies Made Great Chocolate Chip Blondie Bites are 70-Calories Each
The Veggies Made Great Chocolate Chip Blondie Bites are the latest addition to the brand’s bakery snacks range that are ready to deliver exceptional taste with hidden vegetable benefits to boot.... MORE
Soft Saving
Gen Z prioritizes value-driven experiences while maintaining future financial security
Trend - Young consumers are embracing "soft saving" strategies that balance immediate experiential spending with long-term financial planning. This generation opens dedicated experience funds alongside retirement accounts, uses detailed spreadsheets to compare thousands of flight options, and prioritizes day trips and shorter getaways to maximize value while minimizing cost.
Workshop Question - How could your brand help consumers optimize their spending to achieve both immediate satisfaction and long-term security?
3.9
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Megatrends
Simplified Digital Financing Apps
Simplified Digital Financing Apps
Spush Wallet's Interface is User-Friendly and Efficient
Spush Wallet emerges as a streamlined financial solution that targets European users seeking efficient digital payment management without traditional banking complexities. The platform... MORE
Smart Portfolio Builders
Smart Portfolio Builders
PortfolioGPT Quickly Builds Your Investment Portfolio with Ease
PortfolioGPT is an AI-driven platform designed to quickly create investment portfolios. It leverages smart algorithms to generate well-balanced, diversified portfolios in a matter of seconds,... MORE
Incentivized Budgeting Apps
Incentivized Budgeting Apps
'Tale' Builds Better Financial Habits and Earn Rewards for Budgeting
Tale is an incentivized budgeting platform designed to promote financially healthy behavior by blending expense tracking with incentives. Users can manage income, spending, and savings through an... MORE
Personal Finance Trackers
Personal Finance Trackers
Fuku Helps Track Spending and Stay in Control of Your Finances
Fuku is a personal finance management app that enables users to organize their money through a drag-and-drop interface. With features like transaction tracking, debt management, and multi-currency... MORE
Digital Expense Trackers
Digital Expense Trackers
ReceiptSnap Organizes and Tracks Receipts for Easy Expense Reporting
ReceiptSnap is a mobile tool designed to streamline expense tracking through automated receipt capture and organization. Users can photograph receipts, which are then categorized and stored... MORE
Escapist Game
Game developers launch low-stakes farming-centric games for comfortable escapism
Trend - Game developers are increasingly releasing cozy farming games that offer serene, low-pressure virtual environments. These titles focus on gentle gameplay and emotional escapism—cultivating crops, caring for animals, and building intimate communities in picturesque, pastoral settings.
Workshop Question - How could your brand create engaging and relaxing experiences that current desires of its consumers?
3.7
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play_circle_filledCreature-Collecting Action Games
Creature-Collecting Action Games
'Farmagia' Enables Players to Raise an Army of Monsters
‘Farmagia,’ developed by Marvelous Inc., is an upcoming action RPG that combines elements of monster farming and combat. Set in the world of Felicidad, players take on the role of Ten, a... MORE
Cozy Village Sim Games
Cozy Village Sim Games
The Tales of the Shire Game Helps Villagers Complete Tasks
The Tales of the Shire game is a new experience that forms a gentle and low-stakes way of playing in the realm of Bagginses. It takes place somewhere between the end of The Hobbit, and before it... MORE
Serene Rural Farming Games
Serene Rural Farming Games
Stardew Valley is Receiving a New Major Update for 2024
‘ConcernedApe,’ the developer behind the massively popular title ‘Stardew Valley,’ announced via a Steam Community post that the game will be receiving the long-awaited... MORE
Dairy Farm-Focused Games
Dairy Farm-Focused Games
GameSquare Taps Dairy MAX to Debut a Fortnite Farm Tycoon Campaign
GameSquare is teaming up with Dairy MAX, a dairy advocacy group, to launch a new map and campaign for Fortnite’s Farm Tycoon. Farm Tycoon, developed by Moonlight Studios, sees players assume... MORE
Recycled Turbine
Companies utilize discarded wind turbine blades to create new products
Trend - Companies are producing new and sustainable products using repurposed wind turbine components. Recycling turbines is challenging, as their blades are often made from composite materials like fiberglass and resin. However, new technologies are paving the way to repurpose them into valuable products.
Workshop Question - How can your brand use discarded materials to enhance the sustainability of its products or projects?
2.6
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Megatrends
Turbine Recycling Services
Turbine Recycling Services
Enva Launches a Wind Turbine Blade Recycling Service in the UK
Enva is now launching a new service for wind energy providers that involves shredding and crushing discarded turbine blades to recover recyclable components like steel. Wind turbine blades are often... MORE
Wind Turbine Recycling Initiatives
Wind Turbine Recycling Initiatives
ACCIONA is Introducing a New Circular Economy Initiative
'Turbine Made' is ACCIONA’s latest initiative to repurpose decommissioned wind turbine blades into sustainable materials and products. Launched in Australia, the project invites local innovators... MORE
Turbine-Derived Surfboard Models
Turbine-Derived Surfboard Models
ACCIONA and DDB Melbourne Launch the New 'Turbine Made' Surfboard
ACCIONA and DDB Melbourne are launching a new product under the 'Turbine Made' brand, specifically utilizing retired turbine blades and transforming them into new products and materials to prevent... MORE
Turbine Blade Roads
Turbine Blade Roads
Chinese Researchers Developed a Way to Create Roads from Recycled Turbines
Chinese researchers have found an innovative way to repurpose discarded turbine blades into durable road materials, aligning with sustainability efforts in the region. A team from the Lanzhou... MORE
AI Hedge
AI brands introduce tools to optimize hedge fund management
Trend - AI brands are launching hedge fund assistants powered by advanced algorithms and machine learning. These tools are designed to analyze vast datasets, optimize trading strategies, and provide predictive insights, while aiming to improve efficiency and offer an edge in the hedge fund management.
Workshop Question - How can your brand leverage advanced data analysis and machine learning to enhance decision-making and efficiency in your industry?
5.9
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Popularity
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Megatrends
AI-Powered Financial Advisors
AI-Powered Financial Advisors
PortfolioPilot uses AI to Analyze Individuals' Economic Profiles
PortfolioPilot, developed by Global Predictions, is proclaimed to be the first AI financial advisor to receive regulatory approval from the SEC. PortfolioPilot offers a unique value proposition that... MORE
AI-Powered Hedge Fund Platforms
AI-Powered Hedge Fund Platforms
IAESIR Responds to Uncertainty with New Updates to Its Platform
IAESIR has unveiled significant updates to its AI-powered hedge fund platform. The company aims to provide investors with more robust tools for navigating volatile financial markets. The revamped... MORE
AI-Powered Hedge Funds
AI-Powered Hedge Funds
Numerai Leverages the Power of Data Scientists and AI
Based in San Francisco, Numerai is a crowd-sourced and AI-powered hedge fund that is backed by the world’s top data scientists. Numerai’s success is driven by its hedge fund quality... MORE
AI Stock Analysis
AI Stock Analysis
Calypso Offers AI Insights for Real-Time Public Equity and Market Analysis
Calypso is an AI-driven platform that is carefully designed to assist investors with public equity analysis. By integrating vast amounts of financial data, including earnings call transcripts,... MORE
Boldened Snack
Packaged snack brands are refreshing packaging portfolios to improve recognition
Trend - CPG snack brands are refreshing their packaging designs to draw more attention to their products while emphasizing standout features. These features include better-for-you ingredients and reduced environmental impact, with intent to capture younger audiences with such practices.
Workshop Question - How might we innovate our brand's approach to packaging and product design to effectively resonate with environmentally conscious and health-focused younger consumers?
6.3
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Megatrends
Vibrant Better-For-You Snack Packaging
Vibrant Better-For-You Snack Packaging
Catalina Crunch Targets Health-Conscious Consumers
Catalina Crunch has unveiled a comprehensive brand refresh and better-for-you snack packaging to target health-conscious consumers. This update includes a vibrant aesthetic that features a new... MORE
Healthy Snack Rebrands
Healthy Snack Rebrands
Eat Real Snacks Rolls Out New Fresh-Focused Visual Identity
Eat Real, a Canadian food company specializing in healthy treats and snacks, has revealed all-new branding in an effort to further appeal to health-conscious consumers. The refreshed designs include... MORE
Better-for-You Snack Rebrands
Better-for-You Snack Rebrands
Eat Real's New Rebranding Highlights Nutritious Ingredients
Snack brand Eat Real recently announced a bold rebrand aimed at celebrating authentic food experiences. Launching a fresh brand identity with vibrant packaging, Eat Real is making a statement with... MORE
Nostalgic Classic Snacks
Nostalgic Classic Snacks
Back to Nature Received a Vibrantly Bold Rebrand
Back to Nature, a classic snacks brand has undergone a complete rebrand, unveiling a vibrant and bold new visual identity. This transformation aims to modernize the brand while maintaining its... MORE
Nostalgic Health-Conscious Snacks
Nostalgic Health-Conscious Snacks
Lexington Bakes Has Refreshed Its Product Offerings
Lexington Bakes focuses on new, nostalgia-inspired branding language, smaller portion sizes, and reducing sugar content by 25% per serving. The California-based dessert brand, known for its eco-... MORE
Controlled Impulse
Budgeting and savings apps are used by Millennials to prevent impulse purchases
Trend - While personal finance management apps have existed for over a decade, the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) and data collection algorithms have made recent apps far more effective than before. These modern budgeting apps are used to prevent unnecessary spending while saving toward goals.
Workshop Question - How can your brand leverage AI and data collection to help its customers make more informed purchasing decisions?
3.9
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Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI-Powered Budgeting Apps
AI-Powered Budgeting Apps
Cleo Helps Gen Z Get Their Finances in Order with Roast & Hype Modes
Many people avoid budgeting apps because they fear feeling restricted but Cleo is an AI-powered budgeting app that offers a feel-good experience. Cleo, the AI-powered assistant, has captivated Gen Z... MORE
Privacy-Focused Budgeting Apps
Privacy-Focused Budgeting Apps
The 'Apollo' Personal Finance App Streamlines Money Tracking
The ‘Apollo’ personal finance app is a digital tool for consumers to incorporate into their daily regime as a way to take more control over their money and more. The app maintains a... MORE
play_circle_filledPersonalized Financial Assistants
Personalized Financial Assistants
The Monarch AI Assistant is a Dedicated Financial Coach
The Monarch AI Assistant is a smart and personalized financial coach that helps users manage their money and achieve their goals. It uses artificial intelligence to analyze users’ income, expenses,... MORE
Empowering Financial Management Apps
Empowering Financial Management Apps
Windfall Makes Money Tracking and Management Easy
Windfall is a money tracker app poised to transform the way individuals manage finances. With its user-friendly interface and powerful features, Windfall makes it effortless to stay on top of... MORE
Digital Money Saving Tools
Digital Money Saving Tools
SaveStrike Helps Users Easily Create Wishlists To Curve Impulse Buying
SaveStrike is your ultimate digital companion for managing and saving your favorite products from various online shops in one convenient app. With SaveStrike, you can easily create and organize... MORE
Informative Yogurt
Dairy brands are redesigning packaging to explicitly advertise health benefits
Trend - Brands in the dairy industry are redesigning product packaging to be more explicitly informative. These new packagings highlight the ingredients' exact nutritional benefits, such as benefiting gut health. Many such products are also advertising organic or eco-friendly ingredients.
Workshop Question - How could your brand redesign its packaging to ensure it best appeals to the desires of its consumers?
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Megatrends
High-Protein Yogurt Lines
High-Protein Yogurt Lines
Oikos PRO High-Protein Yogurt Launches in Canada
Oikos 'PRO' high-protein yogurt is officially hitting Canadian shelves, redefining how health-conscious consumers fuel their strength. Known for its rich and creamy Greek yogurt, Oikos introduces... MORE
Natural Yogurt Jars
Natural Yogurt Jars
Danone Argentina Adopted New Packaging to Improve Environmental Efforts
Danone Argentina has introduced new yogurt jars for its La Serenísima Original brand, designed to emphasize the product’s natural and premium qualities. The jars are made from polyethylene... MORE
Reformed Yogurt Packagings
Reformed Yogurt Packagings
Nomadic Redesigned its Packaging to Emphasize Health Benefits
Nomadic, in collaboration with Greiner Packaging, has introduced a new packaging format for its Protein+ Granola yoghurt range. This new design is an “upside-down” version of the existing Yogurt &... MORE
Revamped Gut Health Yogurts
Revamped Gut Health Yogurts
The Activia Rebranding Includes a New Recipe and Packaging
This Activia rebranding has been announced by Danone in the UK as part of the brand’s initiative to keep the product relevant with today’s consumer and also draw in those who are new to... MORE
Sustainably Packaged Greek Yogurts
Sustainably Packaged Greek Yogurts
Nounós Creamery Probiotic Strained Yogurt Comes in Two Options
Nounós Creamery Probiotic Strained Yogurt is a premium range of nutrient-dense dairy products perfect for consumers to incorporate into their nutrition-focused lifestyle. The yogurt comes in... MORE