BASF invites start-ups to take part in joint projects on “digital challenges”

Win up to €100,000 for a pilot project and the chance for a long-term partnership with chemical company BASF.

BASF companies supply raw materials to most industries in the UK, including agriculture, automotive, chemicals, construction, energy and pharmaceuticals.

BASF is breaking new ground in the field of digitalization. The opportunities are enormous. For example, digital products and services can increase the effectiveness and efficiency of processes and create additional value for customers. At the same time, however, digital change also raises completely new questions and challenges. BASF is looking for start-ups from all over the world to tackle and solve these challenges together.

Interested start-ups can apply until 15th January 2019 for specific tasks, so-called “digital challenges”, in the areas of Human Resources, Performance Materials, Sales and Smart Surface. After successful application, the teams work on the questions in three- to six-month pilot projects and receive budgets of up to ‚Ǩ100,000. The best solutions are then rolled out globally.

The challenges include:

• Condition Monitoring – BASF are looking for startups to stay on top of corrosion, creep and other material changes in their equipment.
• Material Performance – BASF are looking for startups to measure how their plastic materials perform in real situations.
• Damage Recognition – BASF are looking for startups to easily recognise vehicle damages and calculate repair efforts.
• Smart Surface – BASF¬†are looking for startups to dynamically alter vehicle exteriors by the use of new surface materials.
• Employee Feedback – BASF¬†are looking for startups to transform the way they collect and analyse feedback across their company.
• Market Research – BASF¬†are looking for startups to help them better understand their customers‚Äô needs and identify new market opportunities.

Thomas Paschkowski, Digital Technology Scout in the BASF 4.0 project at BASF, said:

‚ÄúWith the ‘digital challenges’ we can use the valuable start-up expertise for concrete digitalization projects. In doing so, we are meeting start-ups at eye level and creating lucrative business opportunities for both sides. We are looking for finished products and solutions which can be quickly purchased and implemented in an accelerated process.‚Äù

BASF is also relying on the expertise of a start-up for the international tender. The Berlin-based company Octorank provides a platform for the application and selection process.

You can find out more about the BASF “digital challenges” here.

The deadline for applications is 15th January 2019.