The submission period of Braskem Labs , Braskem's startup acceleration and connection platform, will be open until April 21, which seeks to leverage businesses that have a positive impact on society and brings together the programs Scale , Challenge , and Ignition . Those interested in participating in any of the three initiatives should sign up at the website .

Launched in 2015, Braskem Labs Scale focuses on solutions already validated and available to the market. There is also the possibility of registration for the special category, which provides a space for initiatives that contribute to reducing food loss. The program has already accelerated more than 50 companies, with 40% of them receiving investments after being mentored. In addition, its mortality rate is only 6%, below the market average.

In its third edition, Braskem Labs Challenge launches internal company challenges to be solved by startups, with the possibility of becoming suppliers or partners of the company. In turn, Braskem Labs Ignition is looking for good ideas or startups whose business model is in the validation phase to turn them into impact ventures. On the platform's website, entrepreneurs can choose the program that best suit their profile.

Luiz Gustavo Ortega, Sustainable Development Manager at Braskem and leader of Braskem Labs, explains that the Ignition and Scale programs are supported by the accelerator Quintessa , which focuses on the contribution of startups that have positive social and environmental impacts. "Quintessa has attracted us precisely because it seeks to operate with social and environmental concerns, something that is very much in line with Braskem's performance," explained Ortega.

Both programs offer mentoring, but for companies in different stages. "We believe in the potential of the contribution to the development of new business for innovation in the sector, benefiting all of us as a society, through disruptive and sustainable solutions. Additionally, we have gained a lot through the exchange of experiences with entrepreneurs," he said. Also, according to the executive, more than 40% of the companies that participated in the program conducted some type of business with Braskem.

General criteria for selection include the degree of innovation of the solutions presented, marketing potential, profile of the entrepreneur and the team involved, business model, and socio-environmental impact. It is important that entrepreneurs be over 18 years of age, headquartered in any city in Brazil and available to attend meetings in the city of São Paulo. More details can be found here .