AkzoNobel has selected four start-ups to collaborate with after the finale of its Paint the Future China challenge.
The four start-ups that have successfully completed the final stage of the “Paint the Future China” challenge promoted by AkzoNobel
have now been invited to collaborate with the company on their innovative solutions.
The announcement was made at the end of a two-day accelerator event that gathered 17 finalists together with 30 AkzoNobel experts. The event allowed also face-to-face discussions and the sharing of knowledge and expertise.
“The next generation in China is passionate about working together to make a real difference through innovation. That’s what we call ‘taking innovation beyond generations’. Collaborative innovation is a vital part of our People. Planet. Paint. approach to sustainable business. With new technologies and sustainable solutions, we develop together, we’re bringing surfaces to life and pioneering a world of possibilities,” stated Klaas Kruithof, AkzoNobel’s Chief Technology Officer.
Overall, AkzoNobel’s challenge attracted 210 proposal in the fields of smart supply chain, digital customer experience and zero waste. The winners will have the opportunity to collaborate with the company on their sustainable business:
- Mech-Mind, AI+3D vision robotic solutions provider
- Corpt, recyclable packaging solutions provider
- Ginet, inorganic non-metal powder solutions provider
- Archifiction, new digital 3D spatial platform creator for immersive virtual reality
“It’s been a very inspiring and rewarding journey. The China startup challenge has helped us forge an even stronger connection with all our key stakeholders in the country, as well as add value for our customers and the whole industry – supporting our overall growth in China,” commented Mark Kwok, AkzoNobel’s President of China/North Asia.
The Paint the Future China challenge allows connections and networking opportunities with pioneering entrepreneurs and thriving innovation groups in China. Launched by AkzoNobel in 2019, the collaborative innovation programmes have already resulted in 18 successful collaborations.
Mech-Mind: “We are committed to the development of AI+3D imaging technology. By working together with AkzoNobel, we hope to advance the smart supply chain and provide more value for the entire coating industry.”
Corpt: “Collaborating with AkzoNobel, we hope that we not only paint the future, but also pack the future. Leveraging our ‘packaging + service + data’ integrated smart solutions, we are striving for more sustainable development.”
Ginet: “AkzoNobel is renowned for its long-standing tradition in innovation. Together, we hope to create more new products and technologies, bringing new inspirations and possibilities to the entire industry and the world.”
Archifiction: “Conversations with AkzoNobel’s expert team have shown us that we share the same vision in terms of digital transformation. We really look forward to painting the future together.”