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2 minute read

AkzoNobel announces ‘Paint the Future’ challenge

Global paints and coatings manufacturer, AkzoNobel, has announced the company’s Paint the Future innovation challenge. Taking place in early 2019, it aims to connect with new disruptive technologies and accelerate innovation in the dynamic world of paints and coatings. It’s an open invitation to combine its global scale, know-how and expertise with the ingenious solutions of startups and scale-ups around the world and turn exciting potential into brilliant reality.

AkzoNobel has announced its ‘Paint the Future’ innovation challenge that will take place in 2019 / Picture: Getty/iStock

 

AkzoNobel CEO, Thierry Vanlancker said: “Our passion for paint and innovation goes way back and we’re even more excited about the future. 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.”

CTO, Klaas Kruithof added: “As a technology-driven paints and coatings company, we’re full of knowledge, know-how and resources that we’re ready to share. We have a clear view of what our customers will need and expect in the future, so we’re 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 the winners the chance to enter into a joint development agreement with AkzoNobel. It’s focused on five key areas:

Predictable performance
Smart application
Circular solutions
Enhanced functionality
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.