The new “RedZone” call for startups on advanced materials is now open. The acceleration program is aimed at highly technological early-stage startups focused on advanced materials.
Since June 12th, the new call for RedZone has been open. SAES’ program aims to fuel innovation in the field of advanced materials and seeks startups throughout Europe to develop a proof of concept, demonstrating the technological feasibility of a project, followed by its scalability in collaboration with the company to bring the product to market.
Who can apply:
The proposed solution should fall within the thematic areas of the current call:
- Smart packaging: Materials and additives for active and intelligent packaging such as Bio-polymers, paper, antimicrobials, antioxidants, indicators and biotech-based solutions.
- Cosmetic solutions: Active ingredients and delivery systems from upcycling and biotechnologies such as Probiotics, enzymes and active principles for cosmetic and cosmeceutical applications.
- Carbon capture materials: Active materials for CO2 capture and/or sequestration, including adsorbers, biomaterials and biotech-based solutions.
- Sensing & functional materials: Materials with sensing capabilities and advanced functional properties, including 2D metamaterials, green and bio-based solutions.
- Advanced membranes: Polymeric-based mixed-matrix membranes for H2 production, fuel cells, CO2 separation, Medtech, water and air purification.
RedZone, a program that started almost a year ago, has already achieved success with the launch of its first call in 2023. The first two winning startups were Mimotype, a German startup that offers bio-inspired materials for OLED technologies, and Vortex, an Italian startup that produces cosmetic products from food waste materials.
Ginevra della Porta, Chief Innovation Officer at SAES said: “The first call has been successful in terms of the interest it generated and the quality of the received applications,” continued by mentioning: “What has emerged is the strategic potential of synergies between SAES and these promising ventures, which can have positive impacts on the future of our planet. For this reason, we decided to launch a new edition of the RedZone program, aiming to find startups with innovative proposals in the field of sustainable and scalable advanced materials.”
What to expect:
- Up to 400 hours of access to SAES laboratories.
- 30 hours of services with internal experts.
- A total maximum contribution of up to €105K, with €25K granted at the beginning of Phase 1, to support project-related activities.
- Private offices.
- Access to company services such as dining and parking facilities.
- Marketing support.
- Access to SAES’ network of partners, clients, and investors.
The ultimate goal is to establish an extended and personalized agreement after the program, beneficial for both parties, such as the possibility of third-party production and the formation of a new brand. Ginevra della Porta stated: “We have always promoted innovation by investing knowledge and resources in research,” continuing with “Today, the startup ecosystem can make a significant contribution in business sectors different from those where we have had a long-standing presence. We are confident that this second edition will bring important results in terms of opportunities and quality, which is at the core of SAES’ history and vision for over 80 years.”
How to Apply:
To apply for the RedZone program, interested startups can click the button below or visit the official website and submit their project proposal. The application process involves demonstrating the technological feasibility and market potential of the proposed solution within the specified thematic areas.
