Arcadis and start-up accelerator Techstars have entered into a global partnership with the goal of identifying and developing innovative start-ups to transform the natural and built environment.
The deal aims to create a mutually beneficial relationship where start-ups are supported to innovate in line with Arcadis’ long-term vision of shaping future cities. The partnership will enable Arcadis to bring smart city technologies to its customers.
According to a statement from Arcadis, the consultancy is preparing a long-term vision on the future of cities as successful habitats for people. The company is said to be investing in living, working and traveling in cities and is committed to innovation and technology.
“The relevance of our partnership with Techstars is significant for our industry. To our knowledge, it is the first time that a company in our space gets together with a market leading start-up accelerator, to exponentially improve value creation for our clients. There is so much change happening around the world. We want to make sure we are at the very forefront, innovating outside-in and bringing to market some of the brightest and most innovative ideas to improve quality of life,” commented Stephan Ritter, group executive for Innovation and Transformation at Arcadis.
Arcadis says the ‘Arcadis City of 2030 Accelerator, Powered by Techstars’ will allow its ambitions to become a reality. Through this program, Arcadis will support 10 companies and provide a team of mentors to help with subject-matter expertise, client connections and industry insights. The company says that learnings from this process will be brought back into Arcadis to help it innovate and bring innovations to its clients.
Patrick van Hoof, global director of Innovation at Arcadis added, “Working with and learning from start-ups is crucial for the evolution of Arcadis. We are convinced that Techstars is the right accelerator program partner for large, well-established companies that are willing to proactively reinvent themselves, like Arcadis.”
Arcadis says that applications for the Arcadis City of 2030 Accelerator will open in July 2018. It expects to select 10 companies by January 2019, following which a demo day will be held in April 2019.
David Brown, founder and co-CEO of Techstars, said, “As the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed, Techstars is proud to expand our European presence with a new mentorship-driven accelerator in Amsterdam. Through the partnership with Arcadis, entrepreneurs in the program will have access to Smart City experts who can help the start-up companies scale their businesses with an eye on the future of cities.”