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Start-up Zone in Gear for K 2025Start-up Zone in Gear for K 2025

The Start-up Zone will showcase new companies, featuring the Start-up Pitch as part of the “Plastics Shape the Future” program.

David Hutton

January 31, 2025

2 Min Read
Start-up Zone
The Start-up Zone will return as a central feature of K 2025. Image courtesy of Andreas Wiese/K 2025

Following its debut at K 2022, the Start-up Zone will return as a central feature of K 2025, taking place Oct. 18 to 25 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Located in Hall 7.0, close to the Science Campus, the Start-up Zone will showcase innovative new companies. 

This dedicated area will offer emerging businesses a prominent stage to present their ideas. According to K 2025 organizers, startups are vital to the plastics and rubber industries, driving innovation and introducing fresh solutions to key challenges such as sustainability, efficiency, and digitalization. Organizers further noted that with their entrepreneurial spirit, risk-taking mindset, and agility, startups are at the forefront of shaping the industry's future.

Organizers noted the strategic placement of the Start-up Zone near the Science Campus — where universities and research institutes will unveil their latest advances in plastics research — will help foster a dynamic hub of science and innovation in Hall 7.0.

Startups still have the opportunity to register and join this vibrant platform at K 2025. By participating, they can showcase their developments at the trade fair and connect with potential business partners from around the world. To make participation easier, a special package has been designed to reduce the logistical challenges and costs typically associated with large-scale trade fairs.

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To participate, companies must be less than 10 years old and have fewer than 100 employees. Annual sales should not exceed €10 million.

The registration form for the Start-up Zone can be downloaded at www.k-online.com/Start-upZone.

For inquiries, contact Start-up Zone coordinator Katharina Kolissnyk by email at [email protected].

Start-up Pitch Towards Zero

The Start-up Pitch Towards Zero will take place on Oct. 13 during K 2025, as part of the Plastics Shape the Future program in Hall 6 of the Düsseldorf Fairgrounds.

Organized by Plastics Europe, this event will offer first-time exhibitors a dedicated platform at K to present their innovative solutions. Startups focusing on technologies, solutions, or new business models that promote a circular economy with plastics will have the opportunity to showcase their projects and connect with potential partners from around the globe.

The deadline for applications is March 1, 2025.

Additional Information

For more details on visiting or exhibiting at K 2025, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America at 312-781-5180, by email at [email protected], or visit www.k-online.com.

For hotel and travel information, reach out to TTI Travel Inc. at 866-674-3476, fax 212-674-3477, or by email at [email protected]. You can also visit www.ttitravel.net or use the hotel booking platform available on the K website: https://www.k-online.com/en/Exhibit/Information/Hotel_CityInfos.

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About the Author

David Hutton

David Hutton is a journalist with more than 25 years of experience as an editor and writer with daily newspapers and trade publications. 

A Kent State University graduate, he was born in Canton, Ohio, and is a lifelong writer. David started his professional career as a reporter and page designer with the Parkersburg Sentinel in Parkersburg, West Virginia. He returned to his hometown, taking a role with the Massillon Independent, where he rose to the position of managing editor.

David’s career next took him to October Research Corp., where he worked for trade publications in the real estate settlement services industry before returning to daily newspapers as news editor for The Times-Reporter in Dover-New Philadelphia, Ohio. While there, he oversaw design of the newspaper and won an Associated Press award for Best Page 1 Design. 

In 2012, David joined the staff of Plastics News as research analyst. He was responsible for the production of data research reports providing analysis of various segments and end markets of the plastics industry. He also produced content for the publication. 

In 2019, David joined Ophthalmology Times, serving as managing editor of the publication covering the latest advancements in the ophthalmology industry for physicians and clinicians. 

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