"Sustainability x Chemistry" marking a successful end to our 2022 X-Linker series

The innovation potential of the interaction between the two areas of sustainability and chemistry was clearly illustrated on Friday, November 25, 2022. The fourth and final X-Linker for 2022 was held under the theme "Sustainability x Chemistry" and offered 10 selected startups from around the world the unique opportunity to present their digital solutions for greater sustainability in the chemical industry to 12 significant industry representatives. 

For the first time, Alexander Böser, Senior Ecosystem Manager from the 5-HT Digital Hub Chemistry & Health, led the digital event. With his charming nature, he moderated the content so that it flowed smoothly through the virtual event space. 

Days before the event, participating startups expressed their anticipation via LinkedIn. The chemical startup AllocNow shared:   

We are very happy to participate in the 5-HT x-linker program SUSTAINABILITY x CHEMISTRY.

Keynote and jury presentation to kick off the event

Just one highlight of many was the welcoming speech by Dr. Lars Börger, Vice President of Strategy and Long-Term Development, Renewable Polymers & Chemicals, at Neste. In his highly engaging keynote, "Transforming - the Neste Way," he provided insights into Neste's corporate transformation from a regional oil refiner to a global leader in renewable and circular solutions.

After the introduction of the jury members, Dr. Alexis Bazzanella, Director at ISC3 Innovation Hub and Head of Project Management & Controlling at DECHEMA and Marie Asano, Director at European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF), it was "Let's Pitch!". 

The 10 startup pitches: global, universal, genius

From software solutions to reduce CO₂ footprints, to blockchain platforms for tracking chemicals along the supply chain, to unlocking the potential of waste(water): These ten startups impressed both corporates and the audience with their innovative digital solutions and showed how sustainability can work in the chemical industry: 

• AllocNow, Bonn, Germany
• Below2, Berlin, Germany
• ChemChain, Luxembourg
• Correntics, Zurich, Switzerland
• EcoWorth, Singapore
• Forecasty, Mannheim, Germany
• Green Elephant Biotech, Giessen, Germany
• Greenlyte Carbon Technologies, Essen, Germany
• Ionkraft, Aachen, Germany
• Xylene, Reutlingen, Germany

Our Ecosystem Startup Below2 summarizes its thoroughly positive impressions of the event: 

Today we spent a great day pitching and discussing our idea of how carbon credits should look like with great people. Thanks 5-HT Digital Hub - Chemistry & Health for having us.

Exchange to drive more innovation in the sustainable chemical industry

Following the five-minute pitches, the startups were given the unique opportunity to illuminate and discuss their solutions in depth, in 1:1 speed dating sessions with the corporates. The following, internationally operating Corporates participated in our event: 

• BASF
• The Berner Group
• Daikin
• Endress+Hauser Group
• FUCHS Group
• Gelita
• Heraeus
• Merck Group
• Neste
• Roche
• SAP
• SCHOTT

We would like to thank all participants for the successful event and the positive feedback! With the X-Linker "Sustainability x Chemistry" event, the year 2022 comes to an end, but already in March 2023 it's time to build crosslinks now!