Impact Nation: an intensive programme driving innovation

Impact Nation guides companies to deliver real innovation in just 100 days. “Whether you’re tackling a sustainability challenge or identifying a new application for an existing product, we’re here to help,” explains Floris ten Duis, who leads the programme at ABN AMRO. Impact Nation’s proven formula involves connecting participants with international businesses specialising in the specific innovation and sustainability issues they’re facing. ABN AMRO acts as an intermediary, introducing the participants to this network of innovation partners. As Floris points out, “We’re in a position to draw on the aid of a global network of companies.” The bank also works closely with TNW Programs and Impact Hub Amsterdam to make these invaluable connections.

Concrete results

Impact Nation’s practical approach appeals to a broad range of businesses, says Floris: “Every company has to innovate, even if it’s a century-old family business. But not all of them know where to start. It’s a challenge even for firms with their own R&D department, where capacity can fall short.”

Impact Nation sets a clear timeline for innovation: 100 days. “First, we identify trends, obstacles and goals. Then, the business tackles its chosen challenge with the help of a dedicated partner. After 100 days, they get to present their first concrete results,” he says.

Sustainable innovation

Now in its fifth year, Impact Nation has an impressive track record of success stories. And, like the businesses it serves, the programme itself continues to evolve. “We launched in 2020 with a strong focus on sustainability,” Floris recalls, “but we’ve since broadened our focus. Today we also welcome companies seeking innovation support.”

Impact Nation helps businesses future-proof themselves in a number of ways. Floris explains that innovative ideas often yield sustainable benefits: “Lots of businesses are looking to reduce their waste stream, for instance. A logical next step is to explore turning waste materials into new products.”

Previous participants in the programme

• The printing platform HelloPrint set out to help its customers make sustainable choices from its product range. It teamed up with the US scale-up EcoCart to develop a smart tool to calculate each product’s carbon emissions.

• Craze, a brand loyalty company, collaborated with Impact Nation partner Mango Materials to create a biodegradable plastic for promotional items, like those used in supermarket loyalty campaigns.

• The packaging company Total Packaging identified a scalable, cost-effective alternative to plastic through Impact Nation.

• OMDUS, a network of sustainable homebuilders, took on the challenge of making homes more climate-adaptive thanks to its collaboration with the green-roofing specialist De Dakdokters (The Roof Doctors).

A dot on the horizon

While dozens of companies complete the full 100-day programme every year, many more are also interested in participating. “But not every business can devote a few months to such an intensive undertaking,” Floris says. So the bank now offers a one-day Innovation Workshop. “Together with its relationship manager and the Impact Nation team, the business maps out the steps it needs to take to become more future-proof,” he says.

The workshop takes a concrete, practical approach. “Setting a dot on the horizon – for example, the year 2030 – helps give direction in the journey towards change. Together, we identify the key challenges to address before that date, and pinpoint opportunities.” At the end of the day, participants turn these insights into a roadmap to pursue their goals going forward. Businesses can still opt to join the full Impact Nation programme for more support if they want to.

Taking the next step

Feedback has been positive, with participants rating both the full programme and the workshop highly. For Floris and his team, the greatest testament to Impact Nation’s success is that participants continue to invest in sustainability and innovation.

HelloPrint, for instance, has taken the next step and can now call itself a benefit corporation, or B Corp for short – an internationally certified company that makes a positive impact on people and the planet.

Floris concludes, “Most companies don’t stop after 100 days. They’ve gotten a taste for it and experienced first-hand the competitive edge that innovation and sustainability can give them.”