Page 74 - Glass-Technology International no. 2/2017

GPD 2017

tions easy and efficient concept aims at intro- attendants, mentors, in- find, inform and finally
and the same is true for ducing new ideas and vestors and the media. to invite startups as well
participant networking. services from startup - The Mentoring and Am- as emerging technology
At the center of the open companies or universi- bassadorial Program scouts to the GPD.
space we construct a spe- ties that have emerging focuses on linking tal- THE WORLD´S ONLY
cial Expo Area accessible ideas but are not yet es- ents within the industry. GLASS INDUSTRY
from all directions. The tablished in the market. Solid connections be- SPECIFIC STARTUP
scheme is ambitious but The start-up companies tween seasoned, perhaps EVENT
the technology as such can use the expo area retired professionals and
is proven i.e. at informa- to exhibit their products the new generation of The GPD organizers are
tion industry assemblies. to glass industry profes- glass specialists are vi- reaching out to recruit in-
Gone is the need to navi- sionals and investors. It tal for the development dustry professionals who
gate between floors, cor- is equipped with 4 sq. of the industry and the would like to be part of
ridors and closed doors. meter booths. The main building of sustainable the Step Change Program.
purpose of the Step Con- networks. Special ben- Special invitations go to in-
TWO NEW SPECIAL cept is to provide inves- efits and discounted vestors, venture capitalists,
PROGRAMS FOR A tors and mentors with prices are offered to ex- business angels and ac-
WORLD-LEADING focused opportunities to perienced professional celerators. The organizers
CONFERENCE
meet glass industry start- who register for the are hard at work in search-
The Conference program ups and decision makers. Ambassadorial Program. ing for the right investors
includes entirely new fea- Face-to-face-meetings Investors and Mentors within the glass industry
tures compared with pre- can be arranged before or from the glass industry as well as business angel
vious Conferences. Two during the event through are especially welcome to networks, venture capital
special conference modules the Meeting Manage- sign up for new oppor- organizations, banks, fi-
are introduced: The Step ment Tool. A pitching tunities to learn about nancial institutions, private
Change Program and the contest for startups will emerging technologies individuals etc.
Mentoring and Ambassador be extended to all attend- and potential partnering. - We also need help in
Program. Explains Event ants at the GPD. This An important goal for the identifying new startup
Coordinator Victor Jason: contest will showcase the GPD Mentor and Am- companies with innova-
- The GPD Step Change startups to conference bassadorial Program is to tive ideas, products or

72 Glass-Technology International 2/2017