International. AkzoNobel launched its innovation challenge "Painting the Future" in partnership with KPMG. This is an opportunity for early-stage companies and technological institutes to jointly develop sustainable business opportunities with AkzoNobel, through new technologies and other innovative ideas that will boost the paints and coatings industry.
The company's Paint the Future innovation challenge aims to connect with new disruptive technologies and accelerate innovation in the dynamic world of paints and coatings.
"Our passion for painting and innovation goes back and we are even more excited about the future," says 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 emerges from open innovation and paint the future together."
Kruithof adds, "As a technology-driven paints and coatings company, we are full of knowledge and resources that we are ready to share. We have a clear vision 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 is a blank canvas, this is an exciting opportunity to help us paint it."
Launched in collaboration with KPMG, the annual challenge will give the winners the opportunity to enter into a joint development agreement with AkzoNobel. It focuses on five key areas:
- Predictable performance
- Smart App
- Circular solutions
- Improved functionality
- Life sciences infusion
Open to early-stage companies and technology institutes around the world, the collaborative approach will benefit both parties, with the company committed to working with winners on sustainable business opportunities.
A dedicated online challenge platform, letspaintthefuture.com, has been launched and will accept entries from January 8, 2019. The site already contains more information about the five topics and the submission process. Finalists will be invited to attend a special awards event in the middle of next year, when the winners are announced. Full details will be released in January.
