AkzoNobel has announced the 20 finalists for its Imagine Chemistry initiative, which was launched by the specialty chemicals company earlier this year.

“We’ve received so many great ideas from all across the globe for novel chemistries and business concepts, ranging from new sources of bio-based products to potential breakthrough ideas for the circular economy,” said Peter Nieuwenhuizen, Global R&D director for AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals.

“It has been a challenge making a selection but we believe these final 20 all hold great potential to address customer needs and contribute to a safer, more sustainable world. This shows that there is tremendous innovation potential, even in seemingly mature chemistries. We look forward to working with the eventual winners to turn their ideas into a commercial reality with real global impact.”

The finalist, who hail from all over the world, including Kenya, the US and Netherlands will participate in a three-day event, starting June 1 at AkzoNobel’s research facility in Deventer, the Netherlands.