Six start-ups pitch sustainable design ideas at LET-C kick-off

Things got creative at Kamp C. During the launch of LET-C, the new start-up operation for sustainable building, six interior start-ups pitched their innovative ideas: from carpets made from recycled fishing nets and car windows to smart acoustic solutions made from recycled jeans. With LET-C, Kamp C offers them not only visibility, but also space and guidance to develop those ideas further.

The launch of the start-up was all about interior design, inspiration and action. Els Huijgens of Vitra opened with a powerful keynote on sustainability in the design world. She shared how Vitra has been pioneering circular principles and smart use of materials for years. She challenged designers to see sustainability not as a limitation, but as an engine for creativity.

After the opening, it was the turn of the interior design start-ups themselves. Hitch, Liesbet Braeckman, Maison Forton, Pepijn De Greef, Re-Sound and ROVER each gave their own take on sustainable design. In five minutes each, they let their designs speak for themselves. ROVER, for instance, works with steel remnants from other companies. Materials that are normally thrown away are given a second life as unique pieces of furniture thanks to the start-up. Other concepts focused on acoustics or modularity, each with an eye for circular design.

The experts present, from UNIZO, VLAIO, Nnof and VOKA among others, gave live feedback, offered tips and zoomed in on the challenges facing starters today. Rob Cornelissen, innovation and strategy manager at Kamp C, also sees these challenges:"We notice that many start-ups are bursting with ideas, but often find it difficult to find their way in the construction sector. With LET-C, Kamp C offers them a sounding board, a network and a stage. This is how we make innovation possible together".

Although this first session revolved specifically around interiors and design, with LET-C, Kamp C is from now on broadly committed to supporting all startups working around sustainable construction. Startups, interesting research projects or growth companies developing new solutions will have the opportunity and the place to grow their innovative ideas for a sustainable construction sector thanks to LET-C.

Each starter in operation will have access to individual coaching, office space, a network of experts and the opportunity to further test and showcase their concepts to the general public at Kamp C. The next thematic events are also already on the agenda: a session on bio-based materials will follow in June, on energy in the autumn.

With the start-up operation LET-C, Kamp C aims not only to inspire but also to support start-ups in the long term. The pitch ideas will be further developed within LET-C over the next two years and will be part of a demonstration route at Kamp C. In the meantime, Kamp C is looking forward to new talents and fresh ideas that want to contribute to a circular future."LET-C is fantastic because of the network and visibility. I have been approached by potential partners, where five years ago I would never have dreamt of a collaboration," says Esther Laga, founder Hitch and starter in LET-C.

This is why Kamp C is making a warm appeal: start-ups, researchers or growth companies working around sustainable building and wanting to write their story further are welcome to join LET-C.