Let’s paint the future together – the AkzoNobel startup challenge begins

The AkzoNobel startup challenge has been launched

The challenge connects bright minds and promising solutions from across the globe with the expertise, global scale, and resources of AkzoNobel. Innovators, challenge teams, institutions, and industry experts will work together to enhance the submitted ideas, forming a truly collaborative ecosystem.

Spearheaded by the company’s chief technology officer Klaas Kruithof, Paint the Future offers winners the opportunity to accelerate the commercialisation of their solution.

“We cannot wait to see what exciting developments this collaborative experience will bring to the paints and coatings industry,” says AkzoNobel CEO, Thierry Vanlancker. “We are driven to create value for our customers and are passionate about what we do and are always looking ahead. Now, we are looking to go even further, painting the future together with the world’s coolest innovators.”

Kruithof said, “Paints and coatings is a dynamic, technology-driven industry. We know the future lies in working with others and being open to cross-industry solutions. Exploring the new technology frontier, we will be able to introduce new features, improved products, and more ways to delight our customers – and accelerate some truly exciting innovations.”

Launched in partnership with KPMG, the challenge focuses on five key areas, smart application, enhanced functionality, circular solutions, life science infusion, and predictable performance.

Register at letspaintthefuture.com to join the platform, submit solutions, and contribute industry expertise as part of the community. More information about the challenge, as well as this year’s five themes and submission process are also available in greater detail on the website.

The deadline for new submissions is March 1, 2019 and participants on the platform will continue to explore, discuss, and enrich ideas until March 12, after which AkzoNobel experts will select finalists to participate in the finals on Amsterdam May 14-16. Shortly thereafter, the company will begin working with the winners on sustainable business opportunities.