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Start-up Challenge 2020 – Viable AM Innovations plus Contribution to Sustainability
The Start-up Challenge, as an essential part of Formnext, has been supporting young, innovative start-ups for five years with a free participation in the trade show. In recent years, numerous new companies have been able to use this unique platform to present themselves to investors, established companies, press and other stakeholders.
The current corona crisis is shifting the topic of sustainability even more into the focus of our actions. In recent months, there has been a reduction in the number of flights, factories have come to a shutdown, and the otherwise very mobile world has come to a temporary halt. Apart from drastic consequences for our social and economic life, there were also positive aspects.The air quality improved in some places, dolphins found their way back to their bays, and industries moved closer together with creative approaches. In this context, additive manufacturing has also proven what is possible. News of the printing of masks, test equipment and parts for respirators as well as calls for joint actions filled the media.
New category in 2020 – AM Ventures Impact Award
Formnext, together with AM Ventures, would like to take these developments as an opportunity to announce a new award within the Start-up Challenge 2020. In the first year of the new AM Ventures Impact Award we would like to emphasize the importance of sustainable business. Topics relating to both people and the planet will be examined from a technology, application, company and value chain perspective.
You would like to take part in the Start-up Challenge 2020 including the AM Ventures Impact Award, but cannot directly take care of the submissions? Take your time for your innovations, send us your pitch decks and registration and jump into the bathing lake in between. This year the Challenge runs until 04 September 2020.
What are the benefits of taking part?
The Formnext Start-up Challenge has helped numerous young companies to accelerate their corporate development and successfully set the course for the future. In 2020 the fair will take place as the virtual event Formnext Connect. Here you will meet potential customers, investors and experts from all over the world. By participating in the challenge, you will also receive valuable feedback on your business model from our jury, which is formed by industry experts.
What to win?
- A free participation at Formnext Connect
- Integration of your start-up in all relevant marketing and communication activities of Formnext
- Possibility to pitch your product at Formnext Connect 2020
- Company coaching by one of our jury members
- Your individual company profile article on 3dprintingindustry.com
- A 3d printed award sponsored by voxeljet
New Challenge category: AM Ventures Impact Award
Sustainability has become the most important issue in today’s world. Every individual and every company must act in order to solve the challenges that face our planet and the human population.
AM Ventures, as the leading venture capital firm in additive manufacturing, wants to raise awareness about the topic in the industrial 3D Printing industry. The goal of the new award is to honor one company among the Start-up Challenge applicants that has a substantial positive impact on different facets of sustainability. Based on the 17 Sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN), AM Ventures has derived goals that are applicable to start-ups in additive manufacturing.
AM Ventures will choose the company with the greatest positive impact on sustainability to win the AM Ventures Impact Award 2020. The winner receives a prize money of 5,000 Euro and will be introduced to the network of AM Ventures. Formnext will integrate the winner in all relevant marketing and communication activities and will provide a chance to pitch the sustainable approach at Formnext Pitchnext event.
Please find more detailed information in the call of submissions for the AM Ventures Impact Award. Any feedback or questions? Please reach out to AM Ventures: info@amventures.com.
Who may apply?
Start-ups that fulfill the following requirements:
- Formation of your company is no longer than 5 years (max 1 January 2015)
- Max. € 10 million annual revenue
- No majority holding of a company that exceeds € 10 million annual revenue
How to apply?
- Fill in the online application form and send it to us.
- Send your pitch deck(s) to startup_formnext(at)mesago.com.
- Receive a confirmation of receipt.
Deadline: 04 September 2020
Selection of winners
The five winners will be selected by a highly qualified jury consisting of well-known representatives of the manufacturing industry, research, the investment sector and the industry’s media. The winner of the AM Ventures Impact Award will be chosen by AM Ventures and announced together with the winners of the Start-up Challenge in autumn.