The first edition of the Build Better Startup Cup was a great success. From 29 strong submissions and 8 finalists, the jury ultimately selected Orange Parrot as the winner. A well-deserved recognition for founders Alwin Papegaaij and Michel Tichelaar, whose innovative solution addresses an increasingly urgent challenge within the built environment.
The Build Better Startup Cup is an initiative by Heijmans and Value Factory Ventures, created to support innovative startups in the construction sector. The competition focuses on early-stage companies with smart and scalable solutions for major challenges within the built environment, such as CO₂ reduction, climate adaptation, biodiversity, biobased materials, water and energy issues, and modular construction methods.
It was precisely this combination of urgency, scalability and practical applicability that stood out strongly in Orange Parrot’s solution. Orange Parrot develops a lightweight façade and roof solution that actively helps keep buildings and cities cool. The principle is clear: what does not heat up does not need to be cooled down. This makes the company’s solution a promising answer to heat stress, a problem that is becoming increasingly relevant due to rising temperatures and growing urbanisation. With its solution, Orange Parrot is working on an alternative to traditional façade materials that can absorb a great deal of heat in summer. According to Orange Parrot, conventional brick walls can reach temperatures of up to 60 degrees Celsius in direct sunlight. Their technology is designed to significantly reduce this heat build-up, helping not only to keep the exterior of buildings cooler, but also to create a more comfortable indoor climate and reduce heat retention in the immediate surroundings.
Behind Orange Parrot is a team with strong technical expertise. Michel Tichelaar and Alwin Papegaaij together have more than 40 years of experience in chemistry-driven concept and product development at companies including DSM, AkzoNobel and BASF. With this background, the team has a solid foundation to further develop their material innovation and apply it within the built environment.
The timing of the award ceremony could hardly have been more fitting. During a week in which the Netherlands experienced extreme heat and the KNMI issued a code red warning in parts of the country, it once again became clear how important smart solutions against heat stress are. Orange Parrot demonstrated that it has built an impressive company in a short period of time, with a strong product, proven traction and clear potential to make an impact at scale.
As the winner, Orange Parrot will receive an investment from Value Factory Ventures as well as a pilot project with Heijmans. This gives the company not only capital, but also the opportunity to further validate and apply its solution in practice. It is a collaboration that aligns closely with the ambition of all parties involved to make the built environment more sustainable, healthier and future-proof. In addition to the winner, the jury also wants to give special recognition to Urban Reef. Their regenerative façades, which stimulate biodiversity, buffer rainwater and passively cool buildings, made a strong impression. Urban Reef will therefore receive an encouragement award in the form of support from Value Factory Ventures to help the company grow further.
Value Factory looks back on an inspiring day full of entrepreneurship, innovation and future-oriented solutions for the built environment. We would like to thank all participants, jury members Machteld De Kroon, Rutger Ballhaus, Maarten van Duijn, Jacco Zuijdweg and Jolanda Ravenek, and of course Heijmans for the valuable collaboration.
