Startups are about to explore a world of possibilities
in the paints and coatings industry – Paint the Future's
second global startup challenge launches May 18. Led
by AkzoNobel and powered by thousands of
connections around the world, Paint the Future has
become the industry's largest collaborative
innovation ecosystem.
All participating startups can look forward to
accelerating their solutions in this dynamic industry
by leveraging AkzoNobel's passion for paint,
expertise, knowledge, resources and connections.
Some will find even more doors opened for them in
the form of exciting partnership opportunities and
investments.
"Our new company strategy is all about building on
our strong foundation and pioneering ways to grow
and innovate," says AkzoNobel CEO, Thierry
Vanlancker. "That's why it's the perfect time for round
two of our global startup challenge. We're excited to
see what potential collaborations the startups have in
store for us that will help us bring surfaces to life for
our customers."
The 2021 program builds on the success of the 2019's
Paint the Future launch event, two regional startup
challenges in Brazil and China, two supplier programs
and other AkzoNobel collaborations. These programs
have already resulted in 18 successful solutions.
“Paint the Future is our dedicated ecosystem
designed to accelerate innovation in paints and
coatings," says Klaas Kruithof, Chief Technology
Officer. "Our first global startup challenge was a first
for our industry and our ecosystem has grown
amazingly since then to include 2,137 active
members. It's a launch pad for great ideas that's
attracted a diverse group of startups, suppliers,
academia and customers."
2021 program details
Startups will be invited to submit solutions addressing
five challenge themes:
• Enhanced functionality
• Customer experience
• Smart application
• Circular solutions
• Smart manufacturing and supply chain
Following the May 18 launch, exploration and
enrichment of the submissions will continue through
July 20. Then, select finalists will be invited to a
collaboration event in late 2021, where the challenge
winners will be announced.
Ready to paint the future with us? To join the
ecosystem and find the latest information on the 2021
global startup challenge, including the submission
process, visit
https://www.letspaintthefuture.com/globalchallenge-
2021/
