The Green Chemistry & Commerce Council (GC3), a business-to-business collaborative that drives the commercial adoption of green chemistry, has issued a call for applications from startup companies to compete in the GC3 Startup Network’s 4th annual Technology Showcase. Startups will compete for the opportunity to pitch their chemicals, materials, products and manufacturing technologies to investors and large strategic companies scouting for green chemistry ingredients and solutions. The showcase is part of the GC3 Annual Innovators Roundtable hosted this year by GC3 member Procter & Gamble Fabric Care in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Sixteen major companies – including Apple, BASF, Best Buy Company, Inc., New Balance, Patagonia and Target – have contributed to a list of sustainable chemistry technology needs. These brands, retailers and manufacturers are seeking sustainable solutions in a range of categories that includes but is not limited to adhesives, coating technologies, fabric finishes and plasticizers. The list of sustainable chemistry technology needs also includes ingredients, such as surfactants and fragrance raw materials for formulated consumer products (including personal care and household products).
Up to 10 semifinalists will be selected to present their technologies to the participating major companies in the Technology Showcase on May 7, 2019. Three of the semifinalists will be chosen to pitch their solutions to a panel of investors and technology scouts on the main stage at the GC3 Innovators Roundtable on May 8. Scheduled panelists include Stephen Crawford, senior vice president and chief technology officer, Eastman Chemical Company, and Renee Hackenmiller-Paradis, Chemistry Center of Excellence – Global Sustainability, Nike, Inc. More than 200 individuals representing 125 GC3 member companies and other organizations will attend the roundtable.
Interested startups must apply online by Feb. 1, 2019. The competition will consider chemistry technologies that can improve human and ecological health impacts, enhance energy efficiency, reduce environmental emissions and reduce waste generation, even if the application is not on the list of sustainable chemistry technology needs.
Each semifinalist will receive one complimentary registration to both the GC3 Technology Showcase on May 7 and the Annual Innovators Roundtable on May 7-9, 2019. Semifinalists also will receive a one-year company membership in the GC3 Startup Network, which provides access to education, networking and mentoring to help build business relationships to bring their solutions to market.
For more information, visit www.greenchemistryandcommerce.org.
