AMSTERDAM — Four startups have been invited to collaborate with AkzoNobel on their innovative solutions after being announced as the winners of the Paint the Future China startup challenge. The announcement wrapped up a two-day accelerator event, which brought 17 finalists together with 30 AkzoNobel experts for face-to-face discussions about collaborative opportunities that could potentially push the boundaries of the paints and coatings industry.

“The next generation in China is passionate about working together to make a real difference through innovation,” said Klaas Kruithof, AkzoNobel’s Chief Technology Officer. “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.”

China’s startup challenge attracted 210 proposals in the areas of smart supply chain, digital customer experience, and towards zero waste. Four startups stood out with their proposals and have now been invited to collaborate with AkzoNobel on sustainable business opportunities:

• Mech-Mind, AI+3D vision robotic solutions provider;
• Corpt, recyclable packaging solutions provider;
• Ginet, inorganic non-metal powder solutions provider; and
• Archifiction, new digital 3D spatial platform creator for immersive virtual reality.

“It’s been a very inspiring and rewarding journey," said Mark Kwok, AkzoNobel’s President of China/North Asia. “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.”

The Paint the Future China startup challenge made connections with pioneering entrepreneurs and thriving innovation groups in China over the past 10 months. They have all been welcomed into the growing Paint the Future open innovation ecosystem, joining startups, academia, research institutes and suppliers across industry sectors in a global effort to accelerate, test, launch and scale ideas and solutions.

For more detailed information about the program, visit letspaintthefuture.com/china-challenge/.