AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS: To help drive innovations and find solutions to some of the most urgent chemistry-related problems, AkzoNobel NV is launching a chemicals startup challenge, Imagine Chemistry.
Imagine Chemistry, launched in combination with KPMG, is an exciting opportunity or program 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 a combined approach to further organise 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.
This program aims to address a number of specific societal challenges as well as finding new sustainable opportunities for AkzoNobel businesses.
Imagine Chemistry focuses on finding solutions within the following areas:
- Biobased and biodegradable surfactants and thickeners
- Biobased sources of ethylene
- Cellulose-based alternatives to synthetics
- Transforming plastics recycling
- Wastewater-free chemical sites
Additionally, 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.
“Our world is made of molecules and we believe that chemistry, mastering the elements, is essential to making the world a better place,” said Peter Nieuwenhuizen, RD&I director for AkzoNobel’s speciality chemicals business.
“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, organising partnerships, or investing in your startup. Our ultimate goal is to innovate together,” added Nieuwenhuizen.
Read More: Imagine Chemistry: AkzoNobel’s global startup challenge for chemicals
No comments:
Post a Comment