Global startup challenge 2019
About the challenges
For our 2019 edition, we were looking for solutions in the following areas:
How did it work?
We invited startups to submit solutions related to specific challenge areas via our collaborative platform from January to March 2019. Our experts collaborated with the startups on the platform to improve their solutions and explore the potential to collaborate. The 21 teams with the most promising submissions were invited to a three-day collaborative event with experts and business leaders. We’re now working together with the winners on sustainable business opportunities.
For all other participants, the journey also continues. Startups on the platform are still in touch with dedicated experts of AkzoNobel to accelerate their solutions and explore mutual opportunities.
What’s next?
Since that first big step we took in 2019, launching a successful industry-first global startup challenge, we’re now growing to welcome suppliers, academia and customers into the Paint the Future innovation ecosystem. Find out more below.
Our programs
Paint the Future is the ecosystem for accelerating new innovations in paints and coatings.
Through our platform and programs, innovators get access to resources to help commercialize their solutions. It’s all about connecting what we know with what we don’t know yet.
STARTUP CHALLENGE TIMELINE
What does the journey look like?
- Start submitting, discussing and enriching ideas with experts on our online platform
- Closed to new submissions, but community enrichment of solutions continues
- Solutions are evaluated and receive online feedback
- Selected participants are invited to join the finals event
- Selected participants work with domain experts to bring solutions to the next level
- The most promising solutions are offered joint development agreements
- AkzoNobel and partners provide guidance in this process
- Scaling of the solution and possible implementation
