greenCHEM launches "innovate! call"
The innovate! call brings together different innovators to transform chemistry-based ideas into sustainable applications.
The call is aimed at researchers with promising but as yet unused patents, as well as talented individuals and teams with an affinity for start-ups who want to bring new technologies to market. Selected innovators, known as Inno-Talents, will receive philanthropic grants for up to 12 months, infrastructure with laboratory access, mentoring, housing and visa support, and assistance in validating their business model and technology.
- Application deadline: March 15, 2026
- Program duration: April 21, 2026, to March 31, 2027
The "innovate! call" is divided into three tracks:
Track A – For entrepreneurs without their own patent
For talented individuals and teams with a passion for entrepreneurship and a vision in the field of green chemistry.
Participants gain access to proven technologies, can develop business ideas, and network with suitable talent. Ideal for anyone who wants to build an effective, sustainable business but does not have their own patent.
Track B – For patent holders who do not want to start
their own business For inventors with unused intellectual property.
This track connects patent holders with talented individuals and teams who are willing to start a business and are ready to further develop the technology. Perfect for anyone who wants to make an impact without running a business themselves.
Track C – For patent holders who want to start
their own business For researchers or teams with their own patent who want to take the step into entrepreneurship.
Here, the focus is on validating the technology, developing a business model, and building a sustainable spin-off.
Background
The "innovate! call" is funded by the Joachim Herz Foundation and continues the activities of the "innovate! lab." With the newly created "innovate! lab" in 2025, we are working closely with the Berlin University Alliance to strengthen the transfer of cutting-edge research into practice. In the methods lab, promising transfer approaches are tested using research results from chemistry as an example.