SAM Panels finalist at the Marc Cornelissen Brightlands Award 2025

SAM Panels finalist at the Marc Cornelissen Brightlands Award 2025

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The Marc Cornelissen Brightlands Award is an annual award honoring sustainability pioneer Marc Cornelissen. This award puts innovators and pioneers in the field of sustainability and circularity in the spotlight. The winner will receive €35,000 to further develop his or her idea. Since 2025, there has also been a Young Talent Award, especially for students who contribute to a more sustainable future with fresh ideas.

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Proud of the semi-finals

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Yesterday, at the semi-finals of the Marc Cornelissen Brightlands Award, I got my vision and the vision of SAM Panels share with the audience. It was inspiring to hear all the stories and innovative ideas from the other participants. I am therefore extremely proud to have been chosen as one of the three finalists. I am looking forward to the final with great enthusiasm! - John Smits, SAM Panels

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Meet the three MCBA 2025 💡 finalists

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After an inspiring semi-final at Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo, jury chairman Maurits Groen and the jury announced the three finalists with a chance to win the prestigious Marc Cornelissen Brightlands Award 2025:

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• Anirudh Rajesh — Aestuary, Maastricht
• John Smits — SAM Panels, Venlo
• Timmy Bours — Clean Water Global, Bergen op Zoom

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These three pioneers in sustainable innovation will present at October 7 their vision, passion and groundbreaking ideas during the Award Ceremony at the Watersley Sports & Talent Park in Sittard-Geleen. One of them will win the seventh edition of the Award and receive the €35,000 cash prize to further accelerate his project.

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Thanks to the semi-finalists

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A special thanks go to all five semi-finalists for their inspiring stories, energy and commitment. You got the jury thinking and touched the audience. Many thanks to Anirudh Rajesh, Marc Moons, Sana Gelissen-Almansour, John Smits, Martijn Haan and Timmy Bours for your valuable contributions!

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Read the full article about the pitch event here: Link to article

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