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Opportunity

Outokumpu, a global leader in sustainable stainless steel, is exploring new ways to expand the functional capabilities of its specialty products beyond corrosion resistance and aesthetics. We seek innovative approaches to enhance stainless steel surfaces with new or improved functionalities – through novel material properties, structural modifications, or other breakthrough ideas.

Opportunity overview

Stainless steel is widely valued for its durability and corrosion resistance, making it a staple in fields like automotive and infrastructure. As part of its strategic focus on specialty stainless steel applications and material innovation, Outokumpu is now seeking to develop new surface properties that bring additional value to customers.

Outokumpu is looking for innovative ways to enhance stainless steel with new or improved functional surface properties – such as hygienic, self-cleaning, slip-resistant, repellent, wear-resistant, soft touch, or low-friction surfaces – ideally without compromising corrosion resistance or relying on additional coatings. By unlocking these innovations, Outokumpu aims to create high-value specialty materials that enhance product longevity, improve performance efficiency, and contribute to safer and more sustainable applications across industries like aerospace and defense, mobility, food processing, chemical, and medical applications. 

From a manufacturing perspective, solutions should be compatible with Outokumpu’s existing production processes, particularly cold rolling and annealing, or be applicable through complementary post-processing techniques.

We are seeking startups and technology providers who can:

  • Develop functional surface enhancements that add value beyond corrosion resistance and aesthetics. Ideally, these enhancements should be embedded into the material itself, though innovative coating solutions are also of interest.
  • Apply their solutions during cold rolling, annealing, or through complementary post-processing techniques that integrate seamlessly into existing manufacturing processes.
  • Deliver commercially viable solutions that can be tested and validated at an industrial scale.
  • Leverage AI-powered simulations and predictive modeling to accelerate R&D and optimize material performance.

Your opportunity with Outokumpu

This collaboration presents a unique opportunity to work with Outokumpu, a global leader in stainless steel innovation, to develop pioneering functional surfaces that meet specialty market demands. By participating in this initiative, startups and technology providers can gain access to Outokumpu’s expertise, industrial-scale manufacturing capabilities, and extensive customer network across various industries.

Examples we're looking for

Surface functionalization

Processes, additives, or coatings that enhance stainless steel surfaces with properties such as hygienic, self-healing, self-cleaning, hydrophobic, hydrophilic, slip-resistant, low-friction, wear-resistant, impact-resistant, or soft-touch finishes.

AI-enabled material science and R&D

Leveraging computational modeling and simulations to accelerate the development and optimization of functional stainless steel surfaces.

Outokumpu is accelerating the green transition as the global leader in sustainable stainless steel – employing approximately 8,500 professionals in close to 30 countries, and holding the market leader position in Europe. The company’s business is based on the circular economy: Outokumpu’s products are made from 95% recycled materials, which are then turned into fully recyclable stainless steel. This steel is utilized in various applications across society, including infrastructure, mobility, energy, and household appliances.
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This is an open opportunity. Submit your solution now.