Imagine Chemistry: AkzoNobel launches global chemicals start-up challenge
January 16 2017 - 4:30AM
January 16, 2017
AkzoNobel is launching Imagine Chemistry, an
exciting opportunity to partner with start-up firms, students,
research groups and career scientists from across the world to
jointly exploit the knowledge of chemistry and solve several
real-life chemistry-related challenges.
The challenge is part of an integrated approach to
further deploy AkzoNobel's innovation capability in support of its
growth ambitions. The company believes there is tremendous
potential even in mature chemistries, and the challenge aims to tap
into that as well as uncover new opportunities.
Imagine Chemistry, launched in conjunction with
KPMG, aims to address a number of specific societal challenges as
well as finding new sustainable opportunities for AkzoNobel
businesses.
"Our world is made of molecules and we believe
that chemistry, mastering the elements, is essential to making the
world a better place," explained Peter Nieuwenhuizen, RD&I
Director for AkzoNobel's Specialty Chemicals business.
"To get there, we believe open innovation will be
vital, seeking ideas both internally and externally to advance our
technology and mutually gain from creative thinking. Imagine. with
all of our knowledge of chemistry, we can work together to solve
some of life's biggest problems. It's a great opportunity for
everyone to get involved."
Imagine Chemistry focuses on finding solutions
within the following five areas:
-
Revolutionizing plastics recycling
-
Wastewater-free chemical sites
-
Cellulose-based alternatives to synthetics
-
Bio-based and biodegradable surfactants and
thickeners
-
Bio-based sources of ethylene
In addition, there are "open challenges" for broad
ideas in two further areas: Highly reactive chemistry and
technology and Sustainable alternatives to current technologies.
All challenges are business-driven and should go commercial in a
3-5 year time horizon.
A dedicated online challenge platform has been
launched, operated by KPMG, where participants can submit their
ideas and solutions. Anyone who registers will get feedback from
AkzoNobel chemicals experts.
The challenge will give the winners the chance to
see their ideas become a commercial reality. "We will provide
access to customers, investors, subject matter experts, mentorship
and an accelerator program, along with additional support. The
collaboration could take on many forms: a joint development
agreement, having AkzoNobel as a launch customer, organizing
partnerships, or investing in your startup. Our ultimate goal is to
innovate together," Nieuwenhuizen added.
"Imagine Chemistry is just the latest example of
the commitment of AkzoNobel to fostering innovation, and also to
doing innovation differently," he added. It follows a recent
decision by the company to participate in a €50 million
collaborative venture capital fund, run by Icos Capital, that will
focus on investing in early stage chemical and clean technology
innovation start-ups, as well as plans to establish an Open
Innovation Center at the AkzoNobel Chemicals Research Facility in
Deventer, the Netherlands.
For more information and to participate in the
challenge, visit imaginechemistry.akzonobel.com
---
AkzoNobel creates everyday essentials to make people's lives more
liveable and inspiring. As a leading global paints and coatings
company and a major producer of specialty chemicals, we supply
essential ingredients, essential protection and essential color to
industries and consumers worldwide. Backed by a pioneering
heritage, our innovative products and sustainable technologies are
designed to meet the growing demands of our fast-changing planet,
while making life easier. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the
Netherlands, we have approximately 45,000 people in around 80
countries, while our portfolio includes well-known brands such as
Dulux, Sikkens, International, Interpon and Eka. Consistently
ranked as a leader in sustainability, we are dedicated to
energizing cities and communities while creating a protected,
colorful world where life is improved by what we do.
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information
Corporate Media Relations
T: +31 88 969 7833
Contact: Andrew Wood
Infographic - Imagine Chemistry
Media Release - AkzoNobel
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Source: AkzoNobel NV via Globenewswire
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