Upcoming Events.
greenCHEM x CHARLE Open Innovation Challenge
Open Innovation Challenge
Industry meets green chemistry innovations
Tackle a real challenge from industry
In our Open Innovation Challenge, greenCHEM invites researchers and startups to submit novel, green chemistry solutions to a real-world industry problem. Selected teams receive mentorship from the industry partner and specialists within our ecosystem, as well as access to laboratories and equipment to further develop their technologies for two to six months. After this elaboration phase, teams pitch their ideas to a jury. The winning team receives prize money and may enter a partnership with the industry partner to continue developing their solution.
Our Partner: CHARLE
The Open Innovation Challenge features CHARLE premium haberdashery, a Berlin-based company that has been developing high-quality, circular narrow fabrics for a wide range of applications. Specialized in elastic and non-elastic bands made from natural rubber, organic cotton, linen, and TencelTM, the company pursues environmentally friendly, resource-saving, and socially responsible production methods throughout the entire value chain. With a spirit of innovation and a clear focus on sustainability, the company works to create textile solutions that will also benefit future generations.
The Challenge
CHARLE is looking for a non-fossil-based, biodegradable elastomer that behaves like rubber with raw material sourced in Europe. In other words, they seek a sustainable, biogenic alternative to natural rubber to reduce its upstream CO₂ emissions caused by long-distance logistics and to prevent future supply chain disruptions by being source in the European continent.
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1. What we are looking for at the end of the challenge
We want elastomers based on non-fossil raw materials, able to be sourced in Europe, with the following characteristics:
Potential for biodegradability
Potential for high elasticity
Potential for extrudability
Nice to have:
Very good resilience
High tear resistance
Excellent chemical resistance
High tensile strength
Durability
Thermal stability
2. Possible approaches
Use of food or natural textile waste (natural fibres) or a combination thereof
Plant-based alternatives with low carbon footprint
3. Approaches not of interest
Waste or materials of fossil origin
Alternatives based on Russian dandelion (due to high carbon footprint and land use)
Plant-based alternatives with high carbon footprint
Rewards
Prize: Compete to win a 2.000€ cash prize
Collaboration with Industry: Develop a solution with instant market fit, potentially leading to quicker implementation by CHARLE
Industry Insights: Visit CHARLE’s facilities and receive guidance from mentors with real world experience
Rapid Idea Validation: Use the Challenge to understand and validate the potential of your ideas in a short cycle
Infrastructure & Equipment: Develop, test, and prototype your ideas in laboratories and lab devices made available by greenCHEM
Community: Expand your network and increase the visibility for you and your idea
Timeline
26.11.2025 – Challenge presentation at Industry on Campus
09.01.2026 – Deadline for applications
16.01.2026 – Selection of teams
26.01.2026 – Challenge kick-off and datasheet handover
26.01-03.05.2026 – Elaboration phase*
May 2026 – Pitch Day & Award*
* Dates to be confirmed.
Q&A
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You want to put your ideas to the test and contribute to making the industry more sustainable
You want to expand your network and meet people from industry
You want to do something that matters with your green chemistry skills
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The Challenge is open to researchers and non-incorporated startups motivated to solve material challenges from the industry and able to come to Berlin for certain checkpoints, particularly the Kick-off and the Finale.
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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.
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greenCHEM will provide access to lab space and cover the costs associated with that for teams that require it. However, if your team doesn’t need a dedicated lab from greenCHEM, you may work in your current lab. In that case, we can cover some of the costs associated with participating in the challenge, even if we’re not the ones providing the lab.
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No, at the moment of application your solution doesn’t need to have reached any of the established criteria. You only have to explain why is it that your team is confident that your idea could potentially reach the stated material characteristics. Should your team be selected to the second phase of the challenge (the Elaboration Phase), you will have the opportunity to work in the lab and further develop your solution.
The criteria play a bigger role at the end of the challenge. Then they are going to be used to evaluate the solutions presented and help the jury pick a winner. However, even at this point, there will not be hard targets that need to be reached.
And wildcard solutions are always welcome.
More Questions?
Arni, our Open Innovation Manager, is happy to answer your questions.
“Green rubber band ball” by Whoisjohngalt is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Industry on Campus
Industry on Campus
@Transfer Week 2025
The flagship event for open innovation in the chemical industry
Join us for the upcoming greenCHEM Industry Event "Industry on Campus" as part of Transfer Week 2025—where business meets science to drive the green chemistry transformation!
Here’s what to expect:
Program
In the morning we offer a further education course for SME’s about the topic Scale-Up in Chemistry - From Flask to Factory at the same location. Industry representives are invited to register for this opportunity aswell.
Who should register?
Industry on campus focusses on bringing Phds and Post-docs in contact with the industry. We especially invite SMEs and Startups to join.
Impressions from previous years:
Scale-Up in Chemistry - From Flask to Factory
Scale-Up in Chemistry
From Flask to Factory: an executve education course
Learn about scale-up for growth, market success, and risk reduction
Scaling up a chemical process can make or break innovation. This compact executive course will talk about actionable strategies for scaling up chemical processes in an industrial context, showcasing how green chemistry can help businesses to stay ahead: reducing costs, minimising risks, and accelerating time-to-market.
Hear directly from a successful startup and leading experts how integrating scaling up with green chemistry concepts can support SMEs with sustainable competitive advantages and stronger business performance. Throughout the morning, several rounds of moderated discussions will invite all participants to share their perspectives, address challenges, and ask questions freely in an open and collaborative atmosphere. This interactive format takes into account your key pain points and real-world experiences so that they are heard and incorporated into the rounds — hopefully leveraging the knowledge and connections needed to accelerate sustainable business growth.
Key Industry Benefits
Boost business performance: process innovation drives sustainable competitive advantage, securing your market position.
De-risk and accelerate scale-up: strategies to lower risks throughout the development pipeline.
Access cutting-edge facilities: see how modern scale-up labs support rapid, flexible, and resource-efficient commercialisation.
Network for growth: exchange with peers, service providers, and technology partners in moderated and open discussion sessions.
Program
10:00 – 10:10 | Welcome & Introduction
10:10 – 10:45 | State-of-the-Art Scale-Up Technologies
Professor Rainer Haag
Best practices, pitfalls, and innovations for green scale-up.
10:45 – 11:25 | Mastering the Scale-Up Process
Professor Kai Licha
Planning campaigns, optimising infrastructure, and balancing sustainability with market needs.
11:25 – 12:00 | From Idea to Reality
Dr. Rhea Machado
Porelio’s Journey: Turning Proof of Concept into Pilot Production.
12:00 – 12:20 | Lab Tour: See the Tools in Action Experience the equipment and pilot systems driving modern, sustainable chemical innovation.
12:20 – 12:30 | Closing Remarks
12:30 – 13:30 | Business Lunch Connect with all participants and presenters to discuss collaboration and strategies for implementing industry-leading green chemistry!
In the evening Industry on Campus will take place at the same location. Don’t miss the chance to register for that aswell!
Who should register?
Chemists, R&D Managers, and Technical Directors from SMEs in the chemical sector - all who are interested in scaling-up your production.
greenCHEM Kickstart @ CIFamily Meeting
greenCHEM kickSTART @ 14th CIFamily Meeting
Unleashing innovative green chemistry ideas
with Wiley
What is it about?
greenCHEM kickSTART is all about turning great ideas into impact. We called on students and researchers to bring forward their chemistry-related projects that could shape the technologies, processes and products of tomorrow. From all submissions, the finalist teams were selected — each with the potential to make a real difference for industry, society and the environment.
After an intensive bootcamp on pitching and presentation skills hosted by Wiley, the finalists will take the stage for the kickSTART Final. At this special edition, the kickSTART finalists will present their projects not only to a jury of experts, but also to the CIFamily network — the vibrant community of chemistry entrepreneurs, alumni and peers who embody collaboration and innovation.
Together, the audience and the jury will decide who takes home the Jury Prize and the Audience Prize.
Finalists
Catalumina: Light-powered photocatalytic reactor that generates hydrogen peroxide directly from water and air
COFion: PFAS-free materials for purification and separation.
Inpacto: Anti-caking beads for mechanochemistry
LignoVolt: Bio-based solid electrolyte made from lignocellulosic waste
AgriSil: Sustainable Silica Flame-Retardant Fillers for Biopolymers
Waste2Watt: High-performance, bio-based anode materials
Speaker
Dr. Ing. Fabian Habicht, Co-Founder & CTO at Shit2Power
Fabian, Co-founder and CTO of Shit2Power GmbH, is a proven expert in process engineering and renewable energy. With a doctorate in combustion technology and extensive expertise in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, he is responsible for the development of our innovative technology. His focus is on implementing scalable solutions for wastewater treatment plants across the EU. In doing so, he combines technical know-how with strategic vision to ensure both compliance with regulatory requirements and the economic efficiency of the systems.
Titel: Evolving focus — balancing exploration and execution in deep tech
Description:
On their journey from research to marketable product, he has seen how focus is constantly being redefined in a deep tech startup: between curiosity about new technological possibilities and the need to concentrate resources on the essentials. He will share what he has learned in the process — how clear prioritization, targeted partnerships, and data-driven decisions can drive progress without losing openness to new approaches.
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.
Important Dates & Venues
Pitch Training Session: 4th November 2025, Wiley Berlin, Rotherstr. 21, 10245 Berlin
Pitch Final: 20th November 2025, Wiley Berlin, Rotherstr. 21, 10245 Berlin
These events are by invite only.
Impressions from last year:
FAQ
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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. -
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
