The CHEManager Innovation Pitch, CHEManager‘s start-up promotion initiative, was launched in 2019. Last year, with the support of the sponsors Brenntag, Siemens, and Ruhr-IP, 18 start-ups from Europe and Canada presented their concepts—eleven in the German-language editions of CHEManager and seven in CHEManager International. A jury of experts has now selected the winners in three categories from all 18 start-ups, taking into account various decision criteria.
The submitted projects covered a broad range of topics from biotechnology, synthesis chemistry and material development to energy and process technology. The three mega trends of sustainability, circular economy, digitalization and transformation were omnipresent as drivers of innovation.
Winners Address Sustainability, Health, and Industrial Efficiency
In the “Value to Sustainability” category, CeraSleeve from Darmstadt, Germany won. CeraSleeve is developing a paper additive intended to replace conventional wet-strength and sizing agents with a sustainable material. The team uses a wafer-thin layer of silica to make paper tear-resistant and water-resistant. According to the company, the technology improves tear and water resistance while enabling full recyclability of the paper, offering a potential model for sustainable materials innovation in packaging and paper products.
The winner in the “Value to Society” category is Primogene from Leipzig, Germany. Primogene is a biotechnology company that specializes in the development of biotechnological production processes for bioactive ingredients. The focus is on human-identical compounds that promote health in all phases of life.
In the “Value to Industry” category, ElementarHy from Hamburg, Germany, was selected. ElementarHy develops plasma-based technologies for the production of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) used in electrolysers, with an emphasis on scalability, performance, and reduced use of critical raw materials, contributing to more sustainable and cost-effective hydrogen production—a key technology in the energy transition.☀OK?☀
Opportunities for Networking and Industry Engagement
In addition to a certificate and a trophy from CHEManager for three winners, BCNP Consultants, Frankfurt, Germany, will enable the winning start-ups to present themselves at the 10th ECP event in Frankfurt at the beginning of February and make valuable contacts with companies and investors.
CHEManager is Wiley’s B2B publication for the chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotech industries. Together with its English-language edition, CHEManager International, it provides business news, market information, and expert analysis for industry decision-makers.
