KOINNO launches innovation platform

It is an intermediary platform comprising the "Challenges" and "Marketplace of Innovations" areas, which facilitates the exchange and presentation of innovative ideas for public clients and bidders (e.g. start-ups, SMEs).

KOINNO is organized by the German Association of Materials Management, Purchasing and Logistics (BME) on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK).

The platform's offerings serve to explore the market. The public administration has the opportunity here to address its procurement-related challenges - i.e. to issue a "challenge" - and thus invite companies to submit ideas for a solution. "This process is not a call for tenders at the end of which a contract is awarded. Rather, it is an opportunity for buyers and suppliers to get in touch, get to know each other's needs and solutions and thus get a better idea of the market," says KOINNO Director Matthias Berg.

In addition to the challenges, the KOINNOvationsplatz also offers suppliers the opportunity to present their innovative solutions and have them tested for their suitability for procurement in public administration. Public clients can use the presentations to contact the companies for a further exchange or invite them to submit an offer.

The aim of the KOINNOvationsplatz is to actively support the development of innovations and to enable simple market exploration in compliance with public procurement law. The advantage for suppliers is that they gain an idea of the needs and associated requirements of their potential customers through the exchange. The marketplace also gives them a free opportunity to present their solutions to the target group. The focus is on exchange.