Imagine Chemistry: AkzoNobel launches global chemicals start-up challenge
January 16 2017 - 4:33AM
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
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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.
Not for publication - for more information
Corporate Media RelationsT: +31 88 969 7833Contact: Andrew
Wood
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