AkzoNobel to work with world’s coolest innovators and paint in the future

AkzoNobel awaits the coolest and most groundbreaking innovators

That is why the company is ready to stir things up by seeking out the newest, coolest, smartest, and most revolutionary developments out there. AkzoNobel wants to combine its global scale, know-how, and expertise with the ingenious solutions of startups and scale-ups around the world.

AkzoNobel’s Paint the Future innovation challenge aims to connect with new disruptive technologies and accelerate innovation in the dynamic world of paints and coatings. It is an open invitation to work together and turn exciting potential into brilliant reality.

“Our passion for paints and innovation goes way back and we are even more excited about the future,” said AkzoNobel CEO Thierry Vanlancker. “Led by our chief technology officer Klaas Kruithof, we want to work with visionaries and entrepreneurs, capture the creative genius that flows from open innovation and paint the future together.”

Vanlancker said: “As a technology-driven paints and coatings company, we are full of knowledge, know-how, and resources that we are ready to share. We have a clear view of what our customers will need and expect in the future, so we are actively looking to collaborate with forward-thinking partners and take our innovation in all areas to another dimension. The future’s a blank canvas – this is an exciting opportunity to help us paint it.”

Launched in partnership with KPMG, the annual challenge will give winners the chance to enter into a joint development agreement with AkzoNobel. It is focused on five key areas, namely predictable performance, smart application, circular solutions, enhanced functionality, and life science infusion.

Open to early stage tech companies and institutes around the world, the collaborative approach will benefit both sides, with the company committed to working with the winners on sustainable business opportunities.

A dedicated online challenge platform, letspaintthefuture.com, has been launched, which will be accepting entries from January 8, 2019. The site already contains more information about the five themes and the submission process. The finalists will be invited to attend a special awards event around the middle of next year, when the winners will be announced. Full details will be released in January.