After its successful debut at the previous K, the Start-up Zone will also form an integral part of the trade fair again in 2025 – this time located in the direct proximity of the Science Campus. Celebrating a premiere will be the Start-up Pitch as part of the Special Plastics Shape the Future.
Start-up Zone
By organizing the Start-up Zone K in Düsseldorf, the world-leading trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry, intends to once again offer young companies a dedicated stage from 8 to 15 October 2025. After all, it is especially start-up companies that play a decisive role for the plastics and rubber industry since they introduce innovations and fresh ideas into an industry increasingly faced with such challenges as sustainability, efficiency and digitalization. Especially start-ups are characterized by great pioneering spirit, risk affinity and high flexibility.
At K 2025 the Start-up Zone will be situated in Hall 7 and, hence, in the immediate vicinity of the Science Campus. At the Science Campus universities (of applied sciences) and institutes will present the latest results of their plastics research. Both K Specials ideally complement each other. The immediate vicinity of the Start-up Zone and Science Campus will make Hall 7 a unique science and innovation hub.
Young companies still have the chance to register for the Start-up Zone thereby leveraging the opportunity of presenting their developments at the world’s most relevant industry trade fair and making valuable international business contacts. A special participation package has been prepared for them minimizing the obstacles and organizational expenses associated with participating in such a large trade fair.
Participation criteria
- The company is younger than 10 years
- It employs less than 100 employees
- Annual sales do not exceed € 10 million
- The registration form can be downloaded at: www.k-online.com/Start-up Zone
- The contact person for the Start-up Zone is Katharina Kolissnyk, Kolissnyk@messe-duesseldorf.de .
Startup-Pitch Towards Zero
In line with the Start-up Zone the official Special Plastics Shape the Future, organized by Plastics Europe, will also offer the newcomers in the industry a dedicated forum at K for the first time – the Startup-Pitch Towards Zero. Here, start-ups whose innovations and technologies, solutions or new business models for a circular economy with plastics, for the decarbonization of the plastics industry or the reduction of so-called Scope-3 emissions, are given the opportunity to showcase their pioneering technology projects and network with partners worldwide.
The Startup-Pitch Towards Zero will take place at K 2025 on Monday, 13 October, as part of the Special Plastics Shape the Future in Hall 6 of the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre. The deadline for applications is 1 March 2025.
