Henkel Algeria recently announced the launch of its exclusive "Clean Innovation Challenge", an exciting initiative for entrepreneurs that forms a pivotal part of the 6th Algeria Startup Challenge. This challenge is dedicated to fostering innovation in the critical areas of waste sorting, recycling, and recovery, targeting Algerian startups, innovative project leaders, students, and researchers.
Aiming for a Greener Future
The Clean Innovation Challenge is designed to address the urgent need for sustainable solutions in the realm of plastic waste management. A particular focus of this challenge, spearheaded by Henkel’s well-known brand PRIL-ISIS, is on discovering and promoting solutions that facilitate the recovery of plastic waste. The ultimate goal is to encourage the production of raw materials from recycled plastics, enabling the creation of eco-friendly packaging and other sustainable products.
Henkel Algeria’s initiative reflects its long-standing commitment to sustainability and innovation, seeking to identify and support ambitious startups and innovators. By doing so, Henkel aims to forge collaborations that will contribute to a sustainable future for Algeria and beyond.
About Henkel
Founded in 1876, Henkel has built a reputation as a global leader in sustainability and innovation. With a diversified and well-balanced business portfolio, Henkel is recognized for its strong global presence in the adhesive technologies, beauty care, and laundry and home care sectors. Established in Algeria since 2000 through a joint venture, Henkel has become a dominant player in the market, particularly in the detergents, cleaning products, and adhesive technologies segments. The company’s portfolio in Algeria includes powerful brands such as Isis, Bref, Le Chat, Pril Isis, Pattex, and Tangit.
Challenge Rules and Objectives
The Clean Innovation Challenge is guided by clear objectives:
Innovation in Plastic Waste Transformation: The challenge seeks innovative solutions that can transform plastic waste from products and packaging into valuable resources, thereby reducing the environmental impact of plastic products.
Promoting the Circular Economy: By encouraging eco-friendly practices in the recovery of plastic waste, the challenge aims to promote sustainable development and the circular economy in Algeria.
Fostering a Collaborative Ecosystem: Henkel aims to create a collaborative innovation ecosystem that supports sustainable innovation through partnerships with startups, researchers, and innovators.
Selection Criteria
The selection process will prioritize ideas that are at the operational or prototype stage, with evaluation based on the following criteria:
Relevance and Importance of the Problem Addressed: The problem should be significant and aligned with the challenge's objectives.
Innovation and Maturity: The proposed solution should demonstrate innovation and a certain level of maturity.
Impact and Inclusivity: The solution should have a measurable impact and promote inclusivity.
Team Qualifications: The team’s experience and qualifications will be taken into account.
Quality of Presentation: A well-structured and compelling presentation will be essential for selection.
Benefits for Startups
Participating in the Clean Innovation Challenge offers startups numerous advantages:
Access to Resources: Participants will benefit from Henkel's extensive resources, including expertise in hygiene, adhesives, and beauty products.
Mentoring and Expertise: Henkel’s experts will provide guidance to help refine and develop innovative projects.
Visibility and Networking: Startups will gain visibility and have the opportunity to network with key players in the industry and innovation sectors.
Prizes and Collaboration Opportunities: The most promising solutions will be rewarded with attractive prizes and potential collaboration opportunities with Henkel.
Timeline
The Clean Innovation Challenge is structured as follows:
Call for Applications: The submission period is open from July 22 to August 22, 2024.
Pre-selection Process: From August 22 to August 31, 2024, a committee of experts will conduct a pre-selection process in two phases: online selection followed by an interview stage.
Challenge Execution: In September and October 2024, selected startups will work on their solutions with support from Henkel and other partners, including the Algerian Startup Challenge program. This phase will also include coaching sessions in both group and one-on-one formats.
Partnering with SOOLVIT
The challenge will be facilitated through SOOLVIT, a crowdsourcing and open innovation platform. SOOLVIT connects innovators with businesses, creating a collaborative experience through hackathons, startup challenges, and other business case events. This partnership ensures that participants will have access to a dynamic platform that supports their innovative efforts in tackling the challenge.
Henkel Algeria’s Clean Innovation Challenge represents a unique opportunity for Algerian startups and innovators to contribute to a more sustainable world, supported by one of the leading global companies in the industry.
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