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.