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BUA Certificate Program "Entrepreneurship in Green Chemistry" SoSe25
Entrepreneurship in Green Chemistry
BUA Certificate Program / Mircocredential
What is it about?
The BUA Certificate Programme / Microcredential “Entrepreneurship in Green Chemistry” is perfect for Master's students in chemistry-related fields enrolled in Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin or Technische Universität Berlin who want to develop entrepreneurial skills and sustainability knowledge. This program helps you turn research into innovative business ideas. With a flexible course load (23-24 ECTS) over 2-4 semesters, you’ll gain expertise in management, innovation, and decision-making—all through hands-on learning.
Content & Goals
In the “Entrepreneurship in Green Chemistry” programm, you’ll explore key concepts of entrepreneurship and sustainability. The program covers everything from starting a business to advancing research or product development. You’ll learn to identify opportunities within chemistry and related fields, turning them into innovative solutions.
This hands-on experience will help you build skills in innovation management, resource allocation, and solving technical challenges. You'll also gain expertise in decision-making, legal frameworks, and teamwork, preparing you to create sustainable, impactful business models.
Who is it for?
The Certificate Program / Microcredential “Entrepreneurship in Green Chemistry” is offered to students who are enrolled in one of the following 8 master programmes at TU Berlin, as well as students at Freie Universität Berlin (FU) and Humboldt Universität (HU) who are enrolled in a chemistry-related Master programme.
M.Sc. Chemistry
M.Sc. Chemical Engineering
M.Sc. Environmental Science and Technology
M.Sc. Material Science and Engineering
M.Sc. Food Technology
M.Sc. Polymer Science
M.Sc. Biological Chemistry
M.Sc. Industrial Engineering and Management, chemistry-related majors
Why should you apply
If you are interested in driving sustainable chemistry through innovation and entrepreneurship, you are the right candidate for the Certificate Program / Microcredential. You will learn how to develop chemistry-related sustainable business ideas, you will network with other innovators and entrepreneurs in the field and you will potentially find new ideas and opportunities for your future career.
Course Structure
Chose from these mandatory and elective courses to get the ETCS you need to receive the certificate / microcredential.
The complete course list, you’ll find here.
FAQ
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Students can plan their study schedule individually and can start either in the summer term or in the winter term.
It is recommended to start with a mandatory core module:
Option A: Venture Campus - From idea to business plan (12 ECTS)
Option B: Treasure Hunting (12 ECTS)
Afterwards you can pick two Semi-Mandatory Modules from the list.
In any case, get enrolled in the Entrepreneurship in Green Chemistry course to keep updated. -
You have to be enrolled in a chemistry related master study program at one of the BUA universities.
The registration for the Certificate Program is open at any time and requires only your Certificate of Enrollment. Please send the document to hello@greenchem.berlin. Usually within a week or two you will be notified whether you were selected to participate in the program.
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The usual duration of the program is two to four semesters. The teaching programme and all examination procedures are structured so that students can complete the programme within the usual study duration.
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The Certificate Program “Entrepreneurship in Green Chemistry” comprises 23-24 ECTS, divided into:
(a) one mandatory module of 12 ECTS
(b) two semi-mandatory modules of each 5 or 6 ECTS from a list of semi-mandatory modules.
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Entrepreneurship Summer School:
Ask before the SS for more informationDesign Thinking for Smart Living & Health
Advanced Recycling Technologies 1
Physics and Chemistry of Sustainability - Renewable Energy (please register by sending an email to Mr. Hutzler)
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Since this BUA certificate gives you the possibility to take courses from either FU or TU, it is mandatory (!) for you to register as a BUA-Nebenhörer*in at the university that is not your home institute.
Registration for TU courses
Registration for FU courses
Registration for HU courses
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Yes, your credits can count towards your master program. Some modules can be registered as a semi-mandatory module in your master program, and some in your elective area. Please contact your local Exam Office for detailed information regarding your personal study regulations.
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Please send your transcript with your grades to the contact person of the Certificate Program. Each year the graduates of the Certificate Program will be celebrated in a graduation ceremony.
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You will receive an official BUA Certificate Program which is composed as Microcredential listing in detail the courses you have taken as part of the Certificate Program.
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You will have to reach 24 ECTS out of the list of offered courses. If you fail one course, you can substitute it with another course from the list.
It is always recommended to keep the Certificate Program contact person informed of your status and progress throughout the program. -
As a Certificate Program student you will be the first to know about interesting events and activities in the field of Green Chemistry and Entrepreneurship, such as the Chemistry Career Talks and Startup Safaris – and you will be guaranteed a place in these events. This will expose you to new ideas, organisations and people and will help you grow your network. It might also open doors to internships, master theses and student jobs.
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The Certificate proves that you have acquired knowledge and competencies in Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the field of chemistry. This can help you stand out from a pool of applicants for positions in research and industry and improve your chances of getting a desired job. Moreover, the competencies that you gain will help you apply entrepreneurial thinking and acting to your own venture or to any employed position in the future.
Who can I ask if I still have questions about the Certificate Program / Microcredential?
You can always reach out to us at hello@greenchem.berlin.
It might also be possible to put you in touch with current or former Certificate Program / Microcredential students to get the student perspective on the program.
Seed the Future
Seed the Future
Connecting Impactful Startups with Value-Driven Capital
If you're an impact founder or purpose-driven investor, this event is for you.
Meet disruptive entrepreneurs from Berlin’s spin-off scene, meet top experts from the Impact Investment Ecosystem and and connect with 12 investor-ready ventures across 2 focused pitch rounds.
These science-based startups are IP-driven and span key sectors including Green Chemistry, Industrial Tech, Energy, Mobility, Biotech, and AI—each addressing real-world challenges through innovation. After the pitches, we invite you to stay for a networking session to engage with founders, investors, and other stakeholders from the impact and science-based innovation ecosystem.
Find the Agenda underneath and get ready for an eventful afternoon!
Participation only on request.
Treasure Hunting Summer School
Become a treasure hunter
Unlock the power of chemistry patents!
Treasure Hunting Summer School
From Patent to Product: Summer School with Real Impact
Together with TU Berlin’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management Department, we’re hosting a one-of-a-kind Summer School on Chemistry Patents & Innovation – a hands-on seminar for students and researchers.
Over five days, you’ll work in interdisciplinary teams (5–6 people) to explore a curated pool of real patents. Your mission? Turn cutting-edge research into real-world business ideas.
What to expect:
Work with patents selected for their high potential for application from Technische Universität Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität.
Meet the inventors and gain insights directly from them
Collaborate with peers from diverse academic backgrounds
Develop and pitch a chemistry-driven business concept
Who can apply?
Every interested PhD candidate or Post-Doc affiliated to universities and universities of applied sciences.
Master students regardless of your study background, age, gender, or anything else! (for Master students, this is a non-curricular course offering and you can receive a "Leistungsschein"/ performance certificate for 6 ECTS points)
Before the Course, you will spend some time preparing yourself. If your registration was successful, you will get access to the online platform of TU Berlin (ISIS) to select the patent that you want to work on during the course, start doing some basic research about the technology and watch some introduction videos. This preparation is necessary for the course. You will also get materials to research the patent and understand the technology behind. You will be provided with several online lectures covering important business topics such as market research, market sizing, business modelling, impact assessment, etc.
During the Course, you will form interdisciplinary teams to work on your selected patent/ technology. Through an exciting mix of workshops and feedback sessions with experts, you'll develop profitable market ideas on how to valorize your selected patent. Those market ideas can result in a start-up business model, a plan to sell or license the patent, a research grant proposal or free license/ open-source recommendation. You will be supported throughout the whole process.
After the Course. If you discover real potential and want to turn it into a startup or research project, we’ll help you take the next step.
While patent rights aren't transferred during the course, universities are open to supporting promising teams—through collaborations with inventors, access to research groups, and clear pathways toward licensing or spin-off.
Application is open now!
Ground Breaking Ceremony Chemical Invention Factory
Ground Breaking Ceremony CIF
Symbolic groundbreaking for the Chemical Invention Factory – John Warner Center for Start-ups in Green Chemistry
Ground Breaking Ceremony: Chemical Invention Factory – John Warner Center for Start-ups in Green Chemistry
On September 24, 2025, the symbolic groundbreaking for the Chemical Invention Factory – John Warner Center for Start-ups in Green Chemistry will take place on the Campus Charlottenburg of Technische Universität Berlin.
The new building will become a central site for advancing green chemistry transfer and supporting science-based start-ups. As the successor to the successful INKULAB, it will provide significantly expanded capacity and infrastructure for innovation and technology transfer in green chemistry.
The event will feature an inspiring program with distinguished guests from science, politics, and industry, including:
Dr. Ina Czyborra, Senator for Science, Health and Care
Presidential Office of Technische Universität Berlin
Prof. Dr. John Warner, namesake of the building and co-founder of the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry
Martin Rahmel, Director of the Chemical Invention Factory and Coordinator of greenCHEM
The Berlin chemistry start-up community will also be presented as a key pillar of the city’s sustainable innovation ecosystem.
Participation is by invitation only.
If you are interested to join the ceremony, plase contact us.
greenCHEM Hackathon
greenCHEM Hackathon
Ideation meets Innovation in Green Chemistry
Application is open now
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Apply until 30.09.25
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Application is open now >> Apply until 30.09.25 >>
Tackle a real challenge from industry
The 2025 greenCHEM Hackathon features NEEW Ventures, the venture builder of EEW - Energy from Waste, Germany’s leading waste incineration company. They are creating a world of endless resources by transforming waste into value through startups, AI-powered waste innovation, and cross-sector collaboration to advance circular solutions.
NEEW Ventures
NEEW Ventures is the venture builder of EEW Energy from Waste, Germany’s leading waste incineration company. Their mission is to create a world of endless resources. They work towards this through the power of business, technology, and community: by building and supporting startups that turn waste into value, by accelerating innovation in waste incineration through AI, and by connecting experts across sectors to drive forward new circular solutions.
What to expect:
Industry
Help industry partners solve their most pressing sustainability challenges
Interdisciplinary team
Brainstorm and shape ideas with other students and researcher from multiple backgrounds
Mentorship
Get guidance from mentors with real world experience
Pitch training
Learn pitching techniques to have a big impact on your audience
Prizes
Compete to win a cash prize up to 3000€ and the possibility to continue cooperating with our partners
Prototype
Use digital tools and creative methods to prototype and model your concepts
Challenges
A – Turning captured CO₂ into climate solutions
The climate crisis isn’t just about reducing emissions — it’s also about capturing the CO₂ we still produce and finding smart ways to use it. NEEW Ventures' parent company, EEW – Energy from Waste, generates electricity and heat from waste and is currently testing CO₂ capture at one of its incineration plants. But there’s a problem: capturing CO₂ costs energy and money.
Your challenge: Imagine new, practical, and scalable ways to make use of this captured CO₂ so it benefits the climate and the economy. Your ideas could help close the carbon cycle and make waste-to-energy plants even more sustainable.
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1. What we are looking for:
We want solutions that:
Make captured CO₂ useful in a way that offsets or reduces the cost and energy used to capture it
Fit the waste-to-energy context — either on-site at the plant or in the surrounding region
Are scalable and realistic, with potential for circular use of carbon
2. Possible directions - starting points:
You can take the challenge in many directions, for example:
a. Turning CO₂ into products (CCU)
Building materials – e.g., turning CO₂ into stone-like materials (mineralization)
Carbon-based products – such as fuels, plastics, or other materials
Industrial applications – where CO₂ from renewables replaces fossil carbon
b. Creating services
Carbon credits – systems that reward CO₂ reuse and storage
Quality checks & certification – ensuring CO₂-based products meet standards
Data & analytics – tracking and reporting CO₂ usage
c. Storage solutions (CCS)
Safe and efficient ways to store CO₂ for future use
d. Other ideas
On-site reuse – for plant processes like pH control, or creating heat or cooling
Local partnerships – using CO₂ in nearby greenhouses, the food & beverage industry, or for producing synthetic fuels (e-fuels)
Low-energy processing – making CO₂ easier to transport or use (e.g., separating it with membranes or distilling it to remove impurities)
Small-scale testing – simulation models or modular systems to trial new CO₂ uses without needing huge investment
3. Approaches not of interest:
Uses that require extremely pure CO₂ (waste-to-energy CO₂ isn’t ultra-pure)
Ideas with no clear pathways for reaching the market
Solutions that need huge amounts of energy but give very little CO₂ benefit
Concepts where EEW would have to become the sole producer of CO₂ products — EEW should be a supplier or partner, not the only seller
4. Why this matters - sustainability impact:
EEW produces 5 million tonnes of CO₂ every year — about half of it from renewable (biogenic) sources. If we find smart ways to use that CO₂, we can:Replace fossil carbon with recovered CO₂
Create “closed cycles” where CO₂ is reused again and again
Make inroads towards net negative emissions by using the renewable CO₂ fraction and other techniques
Open new opportunities in local economies and carbon markets
Your idea could be part of the solution — whether it’s a product, a service, a technology, or a creative collaboration. Chemists and engineers can develop CO₂ conversion and storage technologies, while environmental scientists assess impacts. Data experts can model systems, and business or policy students can shape market and regulatory pathways. Designers and communicators can make solutions clear and appealing. Together, these perspectives can turn captured CO₂ into a driver of climate action.
B – Giving Fly Ash a second life
When waste is burned in an incinerator, not everything disappears. One byproduct is fly ash (MSWIFA) — a fine powder that contains concentrated pollutants from the burned waste. It’s tricky to handle and usually ends up as hazardous landfill.
But here’s the twist: fly ash can also contain valuable metals and minerals. If we could safely recover and reuse these materials, fly ash could change from an expensive disposal problem into a valuable resource.
Your challenge: Find safe, scalable, and creative ways to turn fly ash into something useful — whether that means extracting valuable elements, making new products, or finding safe reuse options that reduce environmental harm.
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1. What we are looking for:
We want ideas that:
Recover value from fly ash — metals, minerals, or functional materials
Reduce waste and toxicity so less fly ash ends up in hazardous landfills
Can fit into existing waste-to-energy processes without major disruptions
Consider market demand, regulations, and safety so the idea could be applied in the real world
2. Possible directions - starting points:
You can take the challenge in many directions, for example:
a. Extracting value
Metal recovery – getting zinc, copper, or rare earth elements out using chemical (hydrometallurgy), biological (bioleaching), or electrical (electrochemical) methods
Sorting & concentrating – separating valuable parts of fly ash with magnets, sieves, or density-based techniques
Scanning & analysis – using AI or spectrometry to spot batches with high-value content
b. Turning into products
Construction materials – using fly ash in bricks, tiles, or concrete as a lower-carbon alternative to cement (geopolymerisation)
Blended binders – mixing fly ash with other industrial waste to make new building materials
Catalysts or filters – treating fly ash so it can be used in chemical processes or environmental cleanup
c. Making it safer
Safe encapsulation – locking heavy metals into stable glass or ceramic so they can’t leach into the environment
Better storage – improved landfill or containment methods to cut pollution risks
3. Approaches not of interest:
Anything that skips incineration entirely (the focus is after waste is burned)
Solutions that do not demonstrate economic viability
4. Why this matters - sustainability impact:
Finding new uses for fly ash could:Cut landfill waste and lower disposal costs
Reduce mining by recovering metals and minerals from existing waste streams
Lower CO₂ emissions by replacing carbon-heavy cement with fly ash-based materials
Protect the environment by preventing toxic substances from leaching into soil and water
Your solution could help turn a pollution problem into a sustainable resource — advancing both waste-to-energy innovation and circular economy goals.
Fly ash valorisation needs diverse skills. Chemists and engineers can recover materials or create safe, new products. Environmental scientists can evaluate health and sustainability benefits. Business and policy students can explore markets and regulations, while designers and IT specialists can improve tracking and reuse systems. Interdisciplinary teams can turn a hazardous byproduct into a valuable resource.
C – Recycling/reusing glass-fibre reinforced plastics (GFK) from wind turbines
Wind turbines are great for generating green energy — but what happens when they reach the end of their life? Most parts of a turbine can be recycled easily… except for the blades. These blades are made of glass-fibre reinforced plastic (GFK) — a strong, lightweight material that’s tough to break down and not biodegradable.
In the coming decade, up to 500,000 tonnes of old blades will be retired. Right now, most end up stored or landfilled — a costly and wasteful solution.
Your challenge: Find creative, sustainable, and economically viable ways to recycle, reuse, or repurpose GFK turbine blades so they become a valuable resource rather than a waste problem.
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1. What we are looking for:
We want ideas that:
· Turn decommissioned wind blades into value — new products, materials, or services
· Show how to move from “just storing” old blades to actually processing them profitably
· Consider environmental, technical, and business impacts so the solution is scalable
2. Possible directions - starting points:
You can take the challenge in many directions, for example:
a. Reuse / Repurposing / Upcycling
Transform blades into furniture, benches, playgrounds, or outdoor installations
Cut and shape blades into modular architectural elements for buildings or bridges
Create local reuse networks with cities or industries to give blades a second life nearby
Build digital platforms to match retired blades with upcyclers or designers
Explore product-as-a-service concepts — e.g., leasing upcycled structures made from GFK
b. Mechanical recycling
Shred or grind blades into materials for cement, asphalt, or other composites
Mix processed GFK into low-carbon binders for construction
c. Chemical Recycling
Break down resins and recover glass fibres using chemical processes (e.g., pyrolysis, solvolysis)
Improve incineration processes to handle GFK without the current downsides (residues, breakdowns, flue gas cleaning issues)
3. Approaches not of interest:
· Landfilling or “just store it” approaches
· Solutions with no clear environmental benefit
· Purely theoretical ideas with no potential for real-world testing
5. Why this matters - sustainability impact:
Finding new uses for wind turbine blades can:Prevent massive volumes of non-biodegradable waste from going to landfill
Replace virgin materials like cement, steel, or plastics with recycled GFK
Help decarbonize construction and manufacturing by using waste as feedstock
Create local economic opportunities in recycling and upcycling industries
The challenge is both technical and creative — whether you’re into engineering, chemistry, business, design, or sustainability, there’s a way to contribute. Chemists, engineers, and material scientists can develop mechanical or chemical recycling methods. Designers and architects can reimagine blades as functional products, while business and policy students create viable business models. Environmental experts can track sustainability gains. By combining skills, teams can give turbine blades a profitable second life.
Timeline
Q&A
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You want to try out innovation and see what it feels like
You want to meet people from different backgrounds who care about impact
You want to gain new skills—from systems thinking to storytelling
You want to do something that matters, even if you’re not sure where to start
You’re curious about sustainability, green tech, or entrepreneurship—but haven’t had a chance to explore it yet
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Bachelor’s and Master’s students from any discipline (chemistry, engineering, design, business, art, tech—you name it)
Early-stage researchers with an open mind and a collaborative spirit
No startup idea required. No specific background needed. Just your energy, your brain, and your interest in building something meaningful.
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You can find the Terms and Conditions here.
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All information about the IP conditions, you can find here.
More Questions?
Our Innovation Manager Bruno, is happy to answer your questions.
All ideas are gold!
If you have a green chemistry innovation idea but it doesn’t match with the offered challenges you can apply to kickSTART our idea innovation competition and start your entrepreneurial journey.
Entrepreneurship Summit
Join us at the Entrepreneurship Summit 2025 for our panel discussion with the topic:
Sustainable materials of tomorrow – female entrepreneurs shaping change
How can we achieve the transition to a sustainable economy for all materials?
What role do innovative, science-based start-ups play, and who is driving this transformation forward? In this panel discussion, we bring together female founders from the world of green chemistry with industrial engineers, business talents, and future shapers.
The focus is on transforming the chemical industry – a sector that, more than almost any other, consumes vast amounts of resources and energy and has a significant (both positive and negative) impact on human and planetary health. But the path toward truly resource-efficient and circular solutions requires more than just good ideas: it needs scientific technologies (deep tech), business expertise, scalable business models, and pioneers who bring science and entrepreneurship together.
Our panel guests – all female founders working on new, sustainable materials through their start-ups – will share insights into their personal entrepreneurial journeys, their science-based innovations, and the challenges of entering the market. They will show how ecological impact and economic success can go hand in hand – and why now is the time to take action.
Who should attend?
Anyone who finds the sustainable potential of technological breakthroughs exciting and wants not just to witness, but to actively shape and steer the transformation of industry into entrepreneurial channels. Be inspired to take an active role in science-based start-ups – as a co-founder, business developer, investor, or strategic supporter.
Our panelists:
Annekathrin Grüneberg, Co-Founder mujo lab OHG
Annekathrin specializes in developing sustainable packaging solutions based on brown algae. Since 2018, she has been working on creating compostable, flexible packaging films that offer a future-proof alternative to plastic. Her start-up mujō has received multiple awards, including as a winner of the “What Design Can Do – Make it Circular Challenge” and as one of Germany’s Cultural and Creative Pilots. The research project “Seaweedpack” is currently funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) under the KMU-innovativ: Bioeconomy program.
In addition to her work as an entrepreneur, she is an experienced Design Thinking coach, guiding companies through innovation processes. With her many years of experience in STEM education and her involvement with the WeQ Institute, she brings a deep understanding of creative learning methods and future-oriented skills.
Ruth Beniermann, Business Development Manager ecoLocked GmbH
As business developer at ecoLocked, I am aligning my professional efforts with my commitment to the environment to create a more sustainable way of living.
What do we do at ecoLocked?
We develop and produce biochar based carbon negative building materials to reduce the CO2 footprint of the built environment.
Dr. Rhea Machado, CEO Porelio GmbH
Rhea is a founder, mother, and chemical engineer by conviction. Ever since she was six years old, she wanted to be an inventor – today, she is CEO of the Berlin-based start-up Porelio, which develops high-performance adsorbent materials to remove PFAS (“forever chemicals”). She earned her doctorate at BasCat – a joint lab of BASF and TU Berlin – and has since combined scientific depth with entrepreneurial execution.
As the mother of a two-year-old daughter, she knows what’s at stake if we fail to remove pollutants from our environment. With Porelio, her mission is not just to scale a product, but to take responsibility – for water that stays clean.
Moderated by
Dr. Petra Ryl, Clustermanagerin greenCHEM | Science & Startups
Petra is a passionate scientist, a PhD biochemist, and an ambitious changemaker. As a mother of two, she strives not only to achieve an impact factor in scientific publications but to create real impact for a livable future—one in which life and business operate within planetary boundaries. To this end, she combines her experience in science, the start-up scene, and sustainability management to support green chemistry start-ups on their journey from scientific innovation to sustainable market-ready products.
Tech to Impact Workshop (Green Chemistry)
Tech to Impact Workshop (Green Chemistry)
Turn your research into real-world impact.
About the Workshop
Turn your research into real-world impact. Join the From Tech to Impact workshop and learn how to identify value opportunities from your scientific or technical research, assess its market and societal potential, and begin shaping it into a viable innovation.
This interactive workshop introduces key principles of innovation, entrepreneurship, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a mix of hands-on activities and expert insights, you'll explore:
Innovation & SDG Overview – Understand the link between innovation, entrepreneurship, and global challenges.
Trend Ideation Game – Explore what the world really needs and where your research can make a difference.
Problem–Solution Fit – Translate your research into real-world solutions and define its potential benefits.
Target Groups & Value Opportunities – Identify relevant markets and target audiences for your ideas.
Market Research & Validation – Learn how to assess market potential, evaluate the competitive landscape, and analyze macro-environmental factors.
Whether you're just beginning to think about commercialization or want to deepen your understanding of impact-driven innovation, this workshop will help you take the next step.
Who should attend
PhD candidates, PostDocs and researchers from chemistry & related disciplines.
This is why you should attend
Learn what is technology transfer and how to transfer your research into a useful market application.
Be inspired by the impact potential of your scientific findings.
Get insights about your next steps to turn your research into a marketable product.
Topic / Agenda:
Introduction to innovation, entrepreneurship & SDG
Ideation Trend Game: What does the world needs?
create a problem-solution-fit / How can a marketable benefit be derived from your research?
define your potential value opportunites and target group / Which target groups and markets are relevant?
Learn about market research: market potential / sizing, competivite landscape and macroenvironmental factors / How can your project be validated and successfully implemented?
greenCHEM Kickstart
greenCHEM kickSTART
Unleashing innovative green chemistry ideas
with Wiley
Now open for applications!
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Now open for applications! >>
kickSTART
Your chance to start! Start using your knowledge. Start developing your career. Start making a positive impact upon society or the environment.
If it sounds interesting, the entrepreneurship pathway could be right for you!
This is a chance to test that out and maybe kickstart your career into an exciting new direction!
What it is
We're calling out for the people & projects that will drive the chemical technologies, processes and products of tomorrow.
If you are involved in chemistry-related research that could become a new technology that benefits industry, society and the environment, please apply!
We'll select 5 finalist project teams, who'll get a bootcamp in forming a great pitch, and enter the pitching final.
Why do it
We want you to enjoy, learn transferable skills, meet people, build your confidence and see that the innovation & entrepreneurship path might match with your core motivations.
Whether that is being your own boss, up-skilling to boost your employability, problem solving, running a successful company or working towards a direct postive impact on society or the environment.
Benefits
Prizes: Pitch final winners can get the jury’s choice or the audience choice prizes. Both include a cash prize (TBA).
Jury’s prize also includes: A profile article in CHEManager International magazine (here, is the article from last years winners), AND further opportunities to develop the technology…
Pitch Training: ALL Finalists receive a free crash-course in pitching skills hosted by Wiley.
Dialog/Network: ALL Finalists make contact with the diverse expert Jury, the greenCHEM team, the Wiley team and a special audience, the Berlin green chemistry startup community.
Contacts: ALL Finalists will expand their network, connect with like-minded students and researchers.
Who can apply?
kickSTART is open to bachelor, master and PhD students, and Post-docs from any institute.
Complete newcomers to innovation & entrepreneurship are very welcome.
It is ideally suited to master and PhD students working in chemistry or related subjects. However, teams with diverse backgrounds are welcome.
Not eligible are: Existing startups or recipients of VIP+, EFT or similar funding programs.
Important Dates & Venues
Application Deadline: 13th October 2025 at 17:00
Pitch Training Session: 4th November 2025, Wiley Berlin, Rotherstr. 21, 10245 Berlin
Pitch Final: 20th November 2025, Wiley Berlin, Rotherstr. 21, 10245 Berlin
Impressions from last year:
“This event bridged the gap between academia and industry, teaching us how to translate research insights into compelling business narratives. If you’re a researcher with a promising business concept, this compact yet powerful workshop could be your first step toward real-world success. ”
“The event offered a dynamic platform for scientific exchange, and I was pleased to be part of the jury panel. Many of the teams were newcomers to innovation and entrepreneurship, yet they took on the challenge of presenting complex scientific ideas—ranging from sustainable plastics to battery technology and clean water access—with clarity, creativity, and rigor. The mix of fresh ideas and lively discussion made it a genuinely enjoyable and stimulating experience.”
FAQ
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This event presents several opportunities:
Collaboration: Meet and collaborate with like-minded people from other institutes and disciplines on cutting-edge projects.
Training: Take part in a pitch-training and communication workshop coordinated by Wiley.
Pitching/Science communication: Learn new skills and immediately put them into action.
Prizes: Win a 'public choice award' or the 'experts choice award', and find opportunities for extended support in the greenCHEM innovation ecosystem. More details on prizes will follow.
Dialog/Network: Build lasting connections to those working sustainable chemistry innovation & entrepreneurship in Berlin.
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In kickSTART, we ask for you to apply with ‘an idea’ or ‘a project’, or ‘an innovation‘. The ideas/projects/innovations are based on chemical research, and could (if developed) enter into the market, or into the chemical industry and have a transformative effect, in the direction of improved sustainability.
They can be related to almost any theme/topic or application area, as long as ‘chemistry’ is a core component. However, applications related to drug development are not what we are looking for.
This is meant to be the first step so we do not expect very advanced business models or existing customers! Most important, is you, your idea, and your motivation!
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This opportunity is targetted at newcomers to the innovation and entrepreneurship pathway. It is ideally suited to students working in chemistry or related subjects. You could be at bachelor, master, PhD, or Post-doc level. No knowledge or experience in entrepreneurship is required.
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You can apply as an individual or as a team. We recommend the latter because projects/ideas supported by a team benefit from the more diverse skill set. Team members do not all need to be chemists!
You can apply individually and, if selected, bring in team members later, as long is it is before the pitch-training workshop takes place. -
If projects meet the conditions of eligibility, finalists are selected by the greenCHEM team on these criteria:
The project is clearly connected to chemical topics.
The project idea addresses a relevant current problem.
The project idea is novel and innovative.
The project idea has good sustainability credentials. E.g. It applies principles of green chemistry. And/or it contributes to the UN sustainable development goals 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 11-15.
The project has positive impact potential if it were to become realized and scaled up.
Finalists who complete the pitching workshop then take part in the pitch final and two prizes are awarded. The expert jury selects a winner on a similar basis as above. The audience selects a winner, simply based on their preference.
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Whether IP is issued, pending, or still in the process. We do not want any specific details about the underlying details, data, lab work, or material/molecule compositions. During your application and the format you will not be asked to share any such information. Of course, if you are uncertain, you can reach out to us, or the patent officers of your institute.
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There will be 5 finalist projects.
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It is defined pretty well by the 12 principles, found here
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English.
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Yes, the same format ran last year under the name ‘PitchCourse & Discourse‘.
Partnered with
Want to get involved but you are missing an idea or project…
That’s OK, there are other formats just for you. If kickstarting with innovation & entrepreneurship in chemistry sounds interesting but you don’t really have a project idea - Check out these opportunities…
Industry on Campus
Industry on Campus
Join us for the upcoming greenCHEM Industry Event "Industry on Campus"—where business meets science to drive the green chemistry transformation! Expect insights on real-world industry challenges, the installation of the Scaleup Lab @ FUHUB, and highlights from our first Hackathon. Program updates coming soon.
Impressions from the last years:
Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften
SCHLACKE
at Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften
With SCHLACKE, the artist group Transforma, in collaboration with the greenCHEM and Hybrid Plattform team, is developing an experimental, artistic-scientific contribution that makes the potential of waste incineration slag visible.
The work creates a link between chemistry, art and social reflection. Transforma has been developing experimental audiovisual art for over 20 years with an intensive focus on materiality and aesthetics.
More Information coming soon!
Startup Hopping
Startup Hopping
A journey around the green chemistry startup ecosystem in Berlin
About
Berlin has a nascent and exciting startup ecosystem in green chemistry. From carbon negative products, to nano-materials and circular businesses, green chemistry has risen as the answer to climate technology and sustainable living from the core.
Every semester, we bring Bachelor, Master and PhD students from FUB, TUB and HUB closer to the market-reality of working at science-based startups. Attendees will have the chance to:
Learn from the chemistry-related startups
Experience the startups‘ day-to-day work in their labs & offices
Get to know about support programmes in Berlin to advance their own startup ideas
Participating Startups
StemGel: Develops the extracellular matrix for the cultivation and differentiation of iPSCs, based on a fully synthetic xeno-free scaffold.
Shit2Power: On-site energy production from sewage sludge.
Scale-up Lab: The Scale-up Lab is a chemistry laboratory which provides a service to produce your product in higher quantity.
Largentech: An antimicrobial material that avoids effectively biofilm formation and kills harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi, free of pharmaceuticals and classical biocides.
More stations coming soon!
Requirements
To attend this event, students need to register via the form below. A maximum capacity of 20 students per tour is allowed.
Impressions from previous times:
greenCHEM Connect
greenCHEM Connect
Peer2Peer Learning Event
Connect with other students who want to transform chemistry into green chemistry!
About greenCHEM Connect
Are you a chemistry student or in a chemistry/business-related degree program at one of Berlin's universities? And you are wondering how chemistry can become sustainable and what contribution you can make? Then join us and be inspired by the sustainable solutions that are already available today by getting to know start-ups with their innovative solutions and find out more about how greenCHEM as an ecosystem for green chemistry can support you in your career towards sustainable impact.
What can you expect?
We will introduce you to the journey in the greenCHEM ecosystem, from a student's program, followed by a master thesis in a startup until how to become a founder yourself. In addition, students and founders will talk about their experiences and you can ask them all your questions. In the structured networking part with drinks & snacks you can get to know your fellow students from the years above and below you, as well as in related fields of study and the other Berlin universities. Let's connect green-minded people.
Registration
Please register for the event (in presence or hybrid) until 18th May 2025 here:
reACTION
:greenCHEM is a leading ecosystem for innovations in green chemistry. As an ecosystem, we, the actors need to come together to make change happen & unleash sustainable chemistry as a driver for environmental and economic health! Therefore, join us in person in Berlin. Under the theme “Chemistry in Transformation”, take part in a day full of inspiration and action. Fascinating lectures, cutting-edge technology and a growing network of innovators, scientists, investors & more!
Full program now available below!
Time
Wednesday 2nd April 2025, 12:30 - 19:00
Location
Venue: MotionLab.Berlin, Bouchéstraße 12, Halle 20, 12435 Berlin.
Nearest Station: S Bahn Treptower Park
Easiest Access on foot, bike or car, is via an entrance on Jordanstraße.
Program
12:30 - 13:30 | 60 min | Arrival and registration
Part 1
13:30 - 13:45 | 15 min | Welcome from greenCHEM: Martin Rahmel (greenCHEM Coordinator)
13:45 - 14:15 | 30 min | Keynote: Prof. Dr. John C. Warner (Co-author of the 12 principles of green chemistry & Founder of The Technology Greenhouse)
14:15 - 14:25 | 10 min | Special Announcements: Dr. Ina Czyborra (Berlin Senator for Higher Education & Research, Health & Long-term care)
14:25 - 14:30 | 5 min | Greeting: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stephan Völker (TU Vice President)
14:30 - 14:40 | 10 min | Welcome from UniSysCat: Prof. Dr. Juri Rappsilber (Speaker for UniSysCat Research Excellence Cluster)
14:40 - 15:10 | 30 min | Keynote: Kristin Schreiber (EU Commission Director for chemicals, EU REACH regulatory expert)
15:10 - 16:00 | 50 min | Networking + refreshment break
Part 2
16:00 - 16:05 | 5 min | Welcome to MotionLab: Fridtjof Gustavs (Co-Founder & MD of MotionLab.Berlin)
16:05 - 16:50 | 45 min | Startup pitch slam: C1 Green Chemicals, LAT Sense, LiqChlor, Nanocats, Nanolope, Porelio, Stemgel
16:50 - 17:05 | 15 min | Intro to open innovation: Prof. Dr. Stefanie Bröring (Chair for Entrepreneurship & Innovative business models, Rühr Uni. Bochum)
17:05 - 17:55 | 50 min | Ecosystem Panel + Q&A: Beyond the lab: Open innovation & industry partnerships in green chemistry: John Warner (The Technology Greenhouse), Christina Linke (Clean Ocean Coatings), Stefanie Bröring (Universität Bochum), Marion Hitchcock (Bayer), Detlef Kratz (BASF). Moderated by Martin Rahmel (greenCHEM)
17:55 - 18:05 | 10 min | Closing remarks: Martin Rahmel
18:05 - 19:00 | 55 min | Networking + refreshments + end
This event is invitation only. Please contact us if you would like to attend.
11th CIFamily Meeting
11th CIFamily Meeting
Scale-up and Pilot Plant Engineering
Our Guest
Marek Checinski (Co-Founder and CSO at Carbon One)
Marek discovered his enthusiasm for the natural sciences as a teenager and went on to study chemistry at the Humboldt University in Berlin, completing his doctorate in catalysis at the Leibniz Institute for Catalysis (LIKAT). There he recognized early on the importance of quantum mechanical simulations for the future of chemical research. With CreativeQuantum GmbH, he built up one of the world's leading service providers in this field. Marek is the inventor of C1 technology and uses his pioneering know-how at C1 to develop climate-friendly chemical processes. As CSO of C1, Marek plays a key role in driving forward the development of green methanol so that it can provide system-relevant industries with a tangible alternative to fossil fuels in the near future.
Why you should attend as start-up
Get insights about Scale-up and Pilot Plant Engineering from the expert Marek Checinski, who has profound experience as serial entrepreneur in applied quantum mechanical simulations and large-scale green methanol production.
Understand when is the right moment to scale your green chemical reaction.
Find out how to design and engineer a pilot plant and what should be taken into consideration.
About the CIFamily
The community events called “CIFamily” aim to offer the scene of chemistry-specific founders a place for trusting exchange and learning from each other. “Learning from experts and alumni/ae, sharing and discussing your own experiences with other participants and supporting each other” is the common goal of the community. In order to achieve this, each event is dedicated to a topic selected by the founders, on which there are impulses, exchange and networking in a relaxed and open atmosphere.
How to become part of the CIFamily?
If you want to become part of the CIFamily and get invited to these amazing network events, please contact us.
Impressions from previous CIFamily Meetings:
Treasure Hunting Winter School
Teasure Hunting Winter School
After the tremendous success of our last Summer School, where two chemistry patents were effectively used and one even won at our Pitchcourse and Discourse event, we are thrilled to echo this call for the upcoming Treasure Hunting Winter School, which is targeted to researchers and Master students!
This is a fantastic opportunity for all researchers within the Berlin University Alliance and UNITE. Participants will have the chance to choose from a selection of chemistry patents, collaborate with the inventors, and work in interdisciplinary teams to devise strategies for market validation and commercialization.
📅 The Winter Schools are scheduled for:
1️⃣ First Winter School: March 3-7, 2025
⏱️ Application Deadline: February 19, 2025
2️⃣ Second Winter School: March 24-28, 2025
⏱️ Application Deadline: March 10, 2025
Who can apply?
Every interested PhD candidate or Post-Doc affiliated to universities and universities of applied sciences within UNITE and BUA.
Master students from TU, HU, FU Berlin, or Charité – regardless of your study background, age, gender, or anything else!
For Master students, this is a non-curricular course offering and you can receive a "Leistungsschein"/ performance certificate for 6 ECTS points.
Green Chemistry Lecture by John Warner
Green Chemistry Lecture (online)
by John Warner
Join for an Exclusive Lecture on Green Chemistry
We are excited to invite you to a special online lecture by Prof. Dr. John C. Warner, a leading pioneer in the field of Green Chemistry and co-founder of the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry.
What is Green Chemistry?
Learn how innovative scientific approaches are transforming the way we create materials and products, driving sustainable solutions for a better future.
Who Can Attend?
This lecture is open to everyone with an interest in sustainability and chemistry. No university enrollment is required.
Registration
Why Attend?
Gain insights from a global expert in Green Chemistry
Discover real-world applications of sustainable practices
Be inspired to shape a greener future through science
Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the most influential voices in Green Chemistry. Let’s build a sustainable future together.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Career & Family in Experimental Science
Career & Family in Experimental Science
hosted by UniSysCat and greenCHEM
How can family and career be balanced in experimental science? Young parents, especially mothers, face unique challenges: from pregnancy onward, strict lab restrictions can significantly impact studies or PhD progress. These challenges often continue during breastfeeding, and balancing childcare with unpredictable experiments remains demanding for both parents.
But does family planning really have to take a back seat? Our event will highlight practical solutions! Hear inspiring stories from scientists who have successfully integrated family and career, sharing strategies that make both possible.
Join us for an inspiring event that shines a spotlight on the importance of creating a family-friendly environment in the world of science! We’re thrilled to feature a keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Sina Bartfeld, who will explore the crucial role of family support in fostering scientific careers. You'll also hear from an amazing panel of accomplished female scientists and entrepreneurs who have successfully balanced family life with cutting-edge research, offering real insights into how they made it work. Plus, learn about valuable funding opportunities and discover best practices for navigating both family and lab life.
Our mission is to raise awareness and break down barriers around pregnancy, maternity/parental leave, and active parenting within the scientific community—particularly for those working in experimental lab settings in chemistry and related fields. We want to empower young scientists to realize that the right time to start a family is when it feels right for them—not when a career box has been checked. Our event will provide crucial information on available support, funding, and inspiring examples of how others have successfully navigated these challenges.
Speakers
Prof. Sina Bartfeld, TU Berlin, Medical Biotechnology
Katharina Kremer, mujō lab OHG, Founder and COO
Dr. Katharina Rudisch, Hanwha Q Cells GmbH, Senior Scientist
Dr. Vivian Spiering, Mercedes Benz, Team Lead Process Technology and Maintenance in Coatings
Who is this event for?
This event is open to students, PhD candidates, PostDocs, entrepreneurs, and leadership figures, including group leaders. We can’t wait to hear your stories, discuss your experiences, and foster a supportive network of women in science!
Registration and additional information
Register for the event until December, 5th!
If you need child care, please let Claudia Ben Nasrallah from UniSysCat know by November 28, 2024 at latest.
Learn more about UniSysCat:
Chemistry Career Talks #3
In this event we bring together a diverse panel of professionals who have taken different paths in the field of chemistry. This event isn’t just about the struggles of entrepreneurship—it’s about the challenges and lessons learned across various roles in green chemistry.
Startup Safari
Startup Safari
A journey around the green chemistry startup ecosystem in Berlin
About
Berlin has a nascent and exciting startup ecosystem in green chemistry. From carbon negative products, to nano-materials and circular businesses, green chemistry has risen as the answer to climate technology and sustainable living from the core.
Every semester, we bring Bachelor, Master and PhD students from FUB, TUB and HUB closer to the market-reality of working at science-based startups. Attendees will have the chance to:
Learn from the chemistry-related startups
Experience the startups‘ day-to-day work in their labs & offices
Get to know about support programmes in Berlin to advance their own startup ideas
Participating Startups
DUDE CHEM: green chemical manufacturing
LIQUIDLOOP green energy storage and conversion
Made of Air: carbon negative materials
Nanolope: novel thermal energy storage systems
Requirements
To attend this event, students need to register via the form below. A maximum capacity of 20 students per Safari is allowed.
Impressions from last time:
Industry on Campus
Industry on Campus
The greenCHEM team cordially invites you to the upcoming Industry on Campus 2024 on Nov. 6th at Freie Universität Berlin.
On this day we will hear presentations from industry representatives, startups and transfer teams from chemistry and pharmaceutical research. Companies such as BASF, Berlin-Chemie Menarini and Bioeton will share their approaches for transitioning to a sustainable, circular economy, while the latter will present their innovative ideas and green chemistry tech. In addition, there will be ample opportunity for networking.
Learn how companies are dealing with difficulties in implementing sustainable chemistry.
Learn from researchers about the newest innovations first hand.
Get to know students' and PhDs' vision for the chemical industry.
Programme
10:00 Registration
10:30 Start
Rainer Haag & Sebastian Hasenstab-Riedel (FUB) - Welcome
Petra Ryl - Science&Startups
Detlef Kratz (BASF) - Innovating for Sustainability with Energy: Approaches to circular and green chemistry at BASF
Kai Licha (FUB / FEW Chemicals) - Scaling-Up Chemistry from academic Start-ups to industrial manufacturing
12:15 - 13:00 Lunch break
Mathias Dimde & Uwe Schedler (FUB/ PolyAn) - Bioinspired polymers for applications in bioanalytics
Katharina Knippen & Pawel Lato (Bioeton Deutschland) - Sustainable Ester production and its valued by-products
Thomas Schubert (IoLiTec) - The path from a laboratory curiosity to an industrial chemical
Jean-Pierre Clement (DendroTEK, Canada) - DendroTEK Biosciences : How we turned a science project into a company
Johann Liebeton (BioHalo, Denmark) - BioHalo - bio-based polymers as sustainable PFAS alternatives
14:15 - 14:45 Coffee break
Gesa Dreyhsig & Merlin Kleoff (FUB Chemie) - Towards a Sustainable Chlorine Industry
Michael Bernicke (NanoCats) - tba
Olaf Wagner (FUB Chemistry) - AquaPur – Removing Trace Substances from Process- and Wastewater
Jan-Niklas Dürig (FUB Pharmacy) - Sustainable solutions for next-generation gene therapeutics
Christian Matschke (Berlin-Chemie Menarini) - Berlin-Chemie goes Green - Megatrend Sustainablility
16:00 - 16:30 Coffee, Cake & Networking
Last years Industry on Campus
PitchCourse & DisCourse
PitchCourse & Discourse
An opportunity for new innovators in green chemistry
by Wiley, Berlin Science Week and greenCHEM
Welcome, deep-tech innovation needs you!
Join Us as an Audience Member at the greenChem PitchCourse & Discourse Event!
Be part of the PitchCourse & Discourse event in Berlin as audience member, where the most innovative ideas in green chemistry will be on display! This is your chance to experience cutting-edge solutions for sustainability and engage with key players in the field.
Why attend?
Inspiration: Watch innovative startups and researchers pitch their groundbreaking ideas.
Engagement: Cast your vote for your favorite pitch and see how the professional jury decides.
Interactive Discussion: Participate in in-depth exchanges with innovators and experts on the most pressing sustainability challenges in chemistry through a fishbowl discussion format.
Networking: Connect with industry leaders, fellow sustainability enthusiasts, and visionaries.
Event Agenda:
Pitch Session: Watch new innovators present their ideas for solving sustainability challenges in chemistry.
Audience Voting: Have your say by voting for your favorite pitch.
Professional Jury Decision: See how a jury of experts evaluates and selects the top innovations.
Fishbowl Discussion: Join a close exchange with innovators, experts, and fellow participants in a dynamic, interactive discussion format on critical sustainability topics in chemistry.
Be a part of this inspiring event that brings together creativity, innovation, and collaboration to build a more sustainable future.
Prizes:
Win a public choice award and/or the jury choice award:
Cash prize
Dedicated article in Wiley’s CHEManager Innovation Pitch
Science communication training
Mentorship
How it works:
Pitch Training
The team members of the five finalist projects will be invited to take part in a free 'Pitch-Training' workshop, hosted by Wiley in Berlin.
The pitch training will take place in Berlin on 21st October 2024.
Pitch event at Berlin Science Week
The final pitching event will take place on 5th November 2024 at Berlin Science Week in Berlin. There, each team will pitch their project to a panel of judges and the public at Berlin Science Week.
Jury members:
Annekathrin Grüneberg | Co-Founder at mujō
Prof. Dr. Stefan Hecht | Einstein Professor at Humboldt University
Dr. Christene Smith | Editor at CHEManager International
Norbert Herrmann | Berliner Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises
Carolina Soto | Innovation Management and Transfer at greenCHEM
FAQ
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This event presents several opportunities:
Collaboration: Meet and collaborate with like-minded people from other institutes and disciplines on cutting-edge projects.
Training: Take part in a pitch-training and communication workshop coordinated by Wiley.
Pitching/Science communication: Finalists pitch the projects at Berlin Science Week.
Prizes: Win a 'public choice award' or the 'experts choice award', More details on prizes will follow.
Dialog/Network: Part of the pitching final includes an open forum where your innovations and the underlying science are discussed with the public, and with members of the expert panel. Build lasting connections to those promoting deep-tech innovation in Berlin.
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This opportunity is open to bachelor, master and PhD students, and Post-docs. It is ideally suited to students working in chemistry or related subjects.
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You can, but don't have to. Team applications (2-5 people) are recommended, and you don't all need to be chemists, but since we are looking for green chemistry innovations, at least one team member should have a chemistry background. All team members should register separately for the event and use a common title for your project idea.
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Yes. If you have an idea, but are missing collaborators, you can apply. If your project is selected, we can help build a team for you from other applicants.
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If you want to get involved but you have not got a project idea, you can apply. In this case we will try to match you with other existing teams or individual applicants.
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There are two stages of selection for the applicants.
Stage 1: all submitted projects will be internally assessed under the following criteria:
Is the idea innovative? E.g. Is it new?Does it solve a real problem? E.g. Is the innovation relevant?
Is it sustainable? E.g. Does it include green chemistry? (See 'what is green chemistry' below in the FAQ).
Does it have impact potential? E.g. Is it feasible? And if scaled-up, is there potential for positive societal and environmental impact?
Stage 2:
The 5 finalist projects/teams will be judged by the panel with the following scoresheet (link). Separately, the public will also select their favourite pitch/project, without explicit criteria.
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Five.
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Maximum is two teams. One winning team is chosen by the expert panel, one winning team is chosen by the public. It is possible that one team wins in both cases.
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We refer to the 12 Principles of green chemistry, which set out directives for sustainable practices in chemistry (link).
The desired innovations in chemistry-based processes and tech, should be sustainable with respect to human health, resources, and the environment. The 12 principles help to guide new innovations into more sustainable solutions.
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The event will take place in English.
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Each year, Berlin Science Week turns the city into a dynamic celebration of scientific ideas and discussions.
More than 180 organizations and over 600 scientists, artists, politicians, and other inspiring leaders come together, attracting a diverse audience of over 30,000 participants.
Contact
For any questions about anything related to the event please contact us on hello@greenchem.berlin
Partners
BUA Certificate Program "Entrepreneurship in Green Chemistry"
Entrepreneurship in Green Chemistry
BUA Certificate Program
What is it about?
The BUA Certificate Programme “Entrepreneurship in Green Chemistry” is perfect for Master's students in chemistry-related fields enrolled in Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin or Technische Universität Berlin who want to develop entrepreneurial skills and sustainability knowledge. This program helps you turn research into innovative business ideas. With a flexible course load (23-24 ECTS) over 2-4 semesters, you’ll gain expertise in management, innovation, and decision-making—all through hands-on learning.
Content & Goals
In the “Entrepreneurship in Green Chemistry” programm, you’ll explore key concepts of entrepreneurship and sustainability. The program covers everything from starting a business to advancing research or product development. You’ll learn to identify opportunities within chemistry and related fields, turning them into innovative solutions.
This hands-on experience will help you build skills in innovation management, resource allocation, and solving technical challenges. You'll also gain expertise in decision-making, legal frameworks, and teamwork, preparing you to create sustainable, impactful business models.
Who is it for?
The Micro-Credential “Entrepreneurship in Green Chemistry” is offered to students who are enrolled in one of the following 8 master programmes at TU Berlin, as well as students at Freie Universität Berlin (FU) and Humboldt Universität (HU) who are enrolled in a chemistry-related Master programme.
M.Sc. Chemistry
M.Sc. Chemical Engineering
M.Sc. Environmental Science and Technology
M.Sc. Material Science and Engineering
M.Sc. Food Technology
M.Sc. Polymer Science
M.Sc. Biological Chemistry
M.Sc. Industrial Engineering and Management, chemistry-related majors
Why should you apply
If you are interested in driving sustainable chemistry through innovation and entrepreneurship, you are the right candidate for the Micro-Credential Program. You will learn how to develop chemistry-related sustainable business ideas, you will network with other innovators and entrepreneurs in the field and you will potentially find new ideas and opportunities for your future career.
Course Structure
Chose from these mandatory and elective courses to get the ETCS you need to receive the certificate.
The complete course list, you’ll find here.
FAQ
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Students can plan their study schedule individually and can start either in the summer term or in the winter term.
It is recommended to start with a mandatory core module:
Option A: Venture Campus - From idea to business plan (12 ECTS)
Option B: Treasure Hunting (12 ECTS)
Afterwards you can pick two Semi-Mandatory Modules from the list.
In any case, get enrolled in the Entrepreneurship in Green Chemistry course to keep updated. -
You have to be enrolled in a chemistry related master study program at one of the BUA universities.
The registration for the Micro-Credential is open at any time and requires only your Certificate of Enrollment. Please send the document to the contact person for the MC, Philipp Isbrücker, at philipp.isbruecker@tu-berlin.de. Usually within a week or two you will be notified whether you were selected to participate in the program.
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The usual duration of the program is two to four semesters. The teaching programme and all examination procedures are structured so that students can complete the programme within the usual study duration.
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The Micro-Credential “Entrepreneurship in Green Chemistry” comprises 23-24 ECTS, divided into:
(a) one mandatory module of 12 ECTS
(b) two semi-mandatory modules of each 5 or 6 ECTS from a list of semi-mandatory modules.
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Entrepreneurship Summer School:
Ask before the SS for more informationDesign Thinking for Smart Living & Health
Advanced Recycling Technologies 1
Physics and Chemistry of Sustainability - Renewable Energy (please register by sending an email to Mr. Hutzler)
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Since this BUA certificate gives you the possibility to take courses from either FU or TU, it is mandatory (!) for you to register as a BUA-Nebenhörer*in at the university that is not your home institute.
Registration for TU courses
Registration for FU courses
Registration for HU courses
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Yes, your credits can count towards your master program. Some modules can be registered as a semi-mandatory module in your master program, and some in your elective area. Please contact your local Exam Office for detailed information regarding your personal study regulations.
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Please send your transcript with your grades to the contact person of the Micro-Credential. Each year the graduates of the Micro-Credential program will be celebrated in a graduation ceremony.
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You will receive an official BUA Certificate Program/Micro-Credential certificate listing in detail the courses you have taken as part of the Micro-Credential.
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You will have to reach 24 ECTS out of the list of offered courses. If you fail one course, you can substitute it with another course from the list.
It is always recommended to keep the Micro-Credential contact person informed of your status and progress throughout the program. -
As a Micro-Credential student you will be the first to know about interesting events and activities in the field of Green Chemistry and Entrepreneurship, such as the Chemistry Career Talks and Startup Safaris – and you will be guaranteed a place in these events. This will expose you to new ideas, organisations and people and will help you grow your network. It might also open doors to internships, master theses and student jobs.
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The Micro-Credential certificate proves that you have acquired knowledge and competencies in Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the field of chemistry. This can help you stand out from a pool of applicants for positions in research and industry and improve your chances of getting a desired job. Moreover, the competencies that you gain will help you apply entrepreneurial thinking and acting to your own venture or to any employed position in the future.
Who can I ask if I still have questions about the Micro-Credential program?
You can always reach out to the coordinator, Philipp Isbrücker at philipp.isbruecker@tu-berlin.de.
It might also be possible to put you in touch with current or former Micro-Credential students to get the student perspective on the program.
9th CIFamily Meeting
9th CIFamily Meeting
Business Development & Sales Strategies
We look forward to welcoming you on Sept 16th, 2024, at our upcoming CIFamily Meeting on Business Development & Sales Strategies for green chemistry start-ups.
Our Guest
Romain Marcel — Co-Founder & Partner at Aneto partners, a startup enabler helping early-stage B2B tech startups navigate Go To Market, commercial, revenue-building, recruiting and capital funding through our advisory and coaching services. After receiving his Engineer degree in Computer Science and a Master in Business Management, Romain spent 20+ years in various sales positions focusing on B2B sales. Along his career he held roles such as General Manager EMEA at Veeva, Chief Sales Officer at Semalytix, VP and General Manager EMEA at Tractable. With his background and experience he decided in early 2024 to create his own company: Aneto Partners to provide advisory services to Start Up to get their Go To Market strategy right early on. Today he is advising companies like DUDE CHEM, Tucuvi, 4Trans, Mercaux, deepc and others.
Why you should attend as start-up
Get insights about Business Development from the expert Romain Marcel, who has profound experience as commercial operators across various stages, ranging from seed all the way through IPO and beyond.
Understand how to approach first customers and pilot project partners.
Find out which going-to-market-strategy and long-term Sales Strategy fits your business idea best.
About the CIFamily
The community events called “CIFamily” aim to offer the scene of chemistry-specific founders a place for trusting exchange and learning from each other. “Learning from experts and alumni/ae, sharing and discussing your own experiences with other participants and supporting each other” is the common goal of the community. In order to achieve this, each event is dedicated to a topic selected by the founders, on which there are impulses, exchange and networking in a relaxed and open atmosphere.
Impressions from previous CIFamily Meetings:
Bachelor Course "Nachhaltigkeit in der Chemie"
This lecture deals with sustainability in the context of industrial chemical processes. Based on different definitions and evaluation criteria of sustainability, economic, ecological and social aspects of chemical production processes are discussed.
Lecture: Monday, 12-14 Uhr, Lecture Hall A, Arnimallee 22 , Berlin, Germany
Seminar: Friday 8-10 Uhr, Lecture Hall Anorganik, Fabeckstraße 34/37 , Berlin, Germany
Micro Credential "Sustainable Entrepreneurship"
What it is about?
The 24 ECTS-program includes courses on sustainable chemistry and hands-on seminars on how to develop your chemistry-related start-up idea. It also offers exiting excursions and international summer schools. If you are enrolled in a chemistry-related Master program at TU, FU or HU Berlin you can even earn an extra degree next to your study program.
Content & Goals
Students of the Micro-Credential “Sustainable Entrepreneurship” will learn the fundamental principles of entrepreneurship and different dimensions of sustainability. This includes all issues on operative, tactical and strategic levels relevant to founding new businesses, for intrapreneurial activities and for Research and Development (R&D) or New Product Development (NPD).
Graduates of the programme will be able to apply entrepreneurial thinking to developments and research in chemistry and related fields in order to recognize opportunities and to develop new business ideas in this field.
The practice-related aspects of the programme focus on innovation, management practices and the allocation of resources leading towards the creation and growth of environmentally, socially and ethically sensitive business models. This includes gaining expertise in management, decision making, legal provisions, accounting and developing the ability to prepare sensible solutions for technical or business challenges. In addition, team work is promoted.