Essity Ventures launches EVolution – its co-creation challenge for health and hygiene startups

A first of its kind co-creation challenge will take place in Munich this November, which aims to expose startups to collaboration and strategic partnership opportunities with one of the global leaders in the hygiene and health sector.

Innovative startups and entrepreneurs are invited, who are in the early stages of developing pioneering and sustainable solutions that address barriers to health, hygiene and well-being. The three-day event EVolution will give startups access to expert insight, mentorship and networking. In addition, it offers the chance to win a minimum of €15,000 equity-free to bring joint business concepts to life, that will be developed during the challenge.

EVolution is hosted by Essity Ventures, a new entity of the leading global hygiene and health company Essity. The event is part of Essity Ventures’ drive to collaboratively identify, validate, launch and grow innovations, that break barriers to well-being.

Together with Highline Beta, FemTech Lab, TUM Venture Lab Healthcare and other partners, startups and Essity will co-create solutions across five categories including the washroom of the future, preventing incontinence, finding hormonal balance, becoming a woman and a quest for sleep.

Kai Thornagel, Director of Essity Ventures, said: “Breaking barriers to well-being is at the core of what we do. We are delighted to collaborate with likeminded young companies and visionaries, to boost the development of new business models and ventures that have a life-changing positive impact on people everywhere, whilst improving hygiene and healthcare.

Benjamin Yoskovitz, Founding Partner at Highline Beta, said: "We’re excited about facilitating co-ideation and -creation between bright and ambitious startups and senior executives at Essity through this three-day event. We believe strongly in the power of startup-corporate collaboration, and we know this event will create win-win opportunities that solve real world problems and make a big impact.”

Karina Vazirova, Co-Founder at FemTech Lab, said: “Innovation happens when you combine market insights with creativity. It can be absolutely pivotal for a disruptive startup to gain access to the insights of a corporate partner, and to think creatively together. We are thrilled to be part of this EVolution journey and looking forward to working alongside Essity to accelerate innovation in female health and hygiene.”

EVolution is open to early-stage startups (pre-seed/seed) that are ideally already in the market with initial traction. The challenge takes place 9-11 November in Munich, Germany. Applications close on Friday 23rd September. To find out more and apply to take part, please visit: www.essityventuresilab.com/evolution.