In the 2017 programme, six startups were selected and collaboration projects focused on digital solutions particularly around smart factories, supply chain, customer experience and renewable products. One example is Sulapac. Following on the Accelerator programme, Stora Enso and Sulapac have now signed a joint development agreement to combat the global problem of plastic waste by accelerating the use of fully renewable, recyclable and biodegradable materials in packaging.
Radical opportunities in circular economy
This year, the Accelerator programme will focus on the circular economy, especially in regard to circular solutions, raw material management, packaging, separation and sorting, and fuel. We are looking for startups with current offerings in supply chain technologies, IoT, big data, analytics, machine learning, AI, VR, robotics, automation, or hardware systems that can be the basis for solutions in the circular economy.“Our first Accelerator program was a big success and I’m confident that this second one will be even better,” says Markus Mannström, Executive Vice President, Biomaterials division. “Working with startups that have ideas around recycling and reuse will be a unique opportunity to explore the circular economy further. It may be self-evident, but to work with a startup for months is a great experience in itself.”
Co-creation on a whole new level
“Together, Stora Enso and the startups will actively ideate and innovate to create new solutions with renewable materials at the foundation,” says Malin Bendz, Executive Vice President, HR. “Startups work with dedicated Stora Enso teams, and can tap into our executive competence and network to further develop their business. Merging the corporate and startup mindsets, Stora Enso benefits from the entrepreneurial approach, while startups work with a world-class company that could potentially become a future partner.”If you are a startup interested in partnering with Stora Enso, go to:
https://www.f6s.com/storaensoaccelerator/apply
