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ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

The Paint the Future Accelerator program is designed to strengthen our collaborative innovation programs by connecting selected startups to AkzoNobels’ global network of people and resources. During a period of up to six months, we work intensively with the startups to validate how we can work together and to develop an investible case that delivers value to all parties.

The Paint the Future Accelerator offers:

  • A tailored program to accelerate collaboration between AkzoNobel and the startup
  • A dedicated AkzoNobel intrapreneur who will lead the collaborative project and provide access to a global network of our experts
  • The opportunity to showcase the results during a Demo Day that will shape the future collaboration

Success cases of Paint The Future

Qlayers: COATING INDUSTRIAL SURFACES WITH NO OVERSPRAY

Qlayers develop innovative robotic solutions to overcome the limitations of manual coating application. AkzoNobel helps Qlayers scale globally through a commercial relationship. Together we are transforming the global industrial coatings market.

Apellix: AERIAL ROBOTIC SYSTEMS THAT CLEAN AND COAT SURFACES

Through a Joint Development Agreement with AkzoNobel, Apellix is developing a spray-painting aerial drone for protective and architectural coatings. By connecting Apellix with our experts, we’re helping them accelerate towards a viable market launch.

Alucha: TURNING WASTE INTO A NATURAL RESOURCE

With their pyrolysis technology, Alucha separates organic from inorganic matter, recovering resources such as oil, metals or minerals. AkzoNobel is acting as a launching customer by replacing virgin raw materials with Alucha’s circular calcium carbonate.

ATERRA: SMART INDUSTRIAL WASTE MARKETPLACE

Aterra’s solution enables AkzoNobel to give paints and coatings a more sustainable lifecycle. Aterra connects players across different industries to build a new business model around their waste streams, making sustainability profitable.

Timeline

Scoping phase
March 25th - April 2022
Getting ready for the Accelerator kick-off
  • Startups selected during the collaboration event will receive a letter of intent
  • We will set a Demo Day goal to showcase the results of the accelerator and outline the resources required
  • Get connected to your experienced intrapreneur and meet the team that will embark on this journey with you
KICK-OFF AND PLENARY PROGRAM
May 2022
Startups begin their program and receive hands-on mentorship from industry experts
  • Together, create a detailed plan on how you’ll deliver the Demo Day goal
  • Strengthen your startup’s foundation by joining workshops and masterclasses
JOINT VALUE CASE DEVELOPMENT
May - October 2022
Work towards the Demo Day goal
  • Identify the needs to accelerate the development of your startups’ offerings
  • Receive tailored support and get access to AkzoNobels’ resources to advance your solution
DEMO DAY
November 2022
Startups take the spotlight to showcase the accelerator results
  • Opportunity to pitch to a broad audience of AkzoNobel stakeholders
  • Decide if and how we can collaborate to bring to market and scale the solution
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WHAT FOUNDERS SAY

Want to know what it is really like to work with us? In this video startup founders share what made the experience so transformative for their companies

News

Check out these great examples of bright minds joining forces to develop revolutionary ideas.

245 SUBMISSIONS FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD

The initial phase of our 2021 Paint the Future global startup challenge saw an incredible 245 innovative solutions from 62 different countries.

FOUR STARTUPS WIN IN PAINT THE FUTURE CHINA FINALE

Our successful Paint the Future program in China gave a real boost to collaborative innovation, with four startups selected as winners. They now have the opportunity to collaborate with AkzoNobel on their innovative solutions. Find out more about the program and the winners.

AUTOMATED APPLICATION CHALLENGE WINNER QLAYERS

We can make the application of industrial coatings better, safer and more efficient – and we’re doing just that with Qlayers, a winner of the 2019 Paint the Future global startup challenge. Find out more about our collaboration on an automated printing head.

Meet our

Meet our
Team
Sponsors
Meet our
Sponsors
Team
"Paint the Future is AkzoNobel’s unique open innovation platform for accelerating innovation in paints and coatings. A step-change in how we innovate in partnership"

Menno van der Zalm

Innovation Director at AkzoNobel
"We are destined to continue the collaborative journey with the 2019 recipients of the Paint the Future awards, but also with many more. This is our way to drive innovation in paints and coatings beyond expectation, imagination and generations"

Klaas Kruithof

AkzoNobel Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
"We had high hopes when we first launched Paint the Future. I think it’s safe to say it exceeded all our expectations. The quality of the ecosystem is amazing, as is the sheer breadth of expertise"

Thierry Vanlancker

AkzoNobel CEO

Meet our

Meet our
Team
Sponsors
Meet our
Sponsors
Team
"Creating an environment where solutions can connect is essential to shape a sustainable future. Let’s Paint the Future together and boost collective intelligence"

Camila de Lima Castro

Marketing Excellence Project Manager
"We're looking forward to accelerate innovation in close collaboration at the forefront of new trends, technologies and innovative practices in our industry."

Ruben Brinckmann

Innovation incubator
“It’s exciting to have global ecosystems and networks entirely localised on one platform! We’re looking forward to discussions that will challenge the status quo.”

Mo Chowdhury

Project Leader – Innovation Incubator
"Bringing transformative innovations to market is not easy; through Paint the Future we can leverage all our assets as a strategic partner to deliver successful solutions to our customers and accelerate growth for both startups and AkzoNobel, together"

Sandra Wiegman

Investment Analyst - Incubator