Dear Friederike, welcome to the Chemie-Cluster Bayern team! Could you tell us a bit about your background – and what particularly excites you about working at the interface of chemistry, bioeconomy and innovation?

I am a chemist with a broad background in polymer chemistry as well as organic surface modification and coatings. During my postdoc, I worked in industrial collaboration with BASF on bio-based and biodegradable polymers. Most recently, I spent two years at a nanobiotechnology start-up, where I worked in the field of surface research. 

What I find particularly exciting about cluster work is that it brings together a wide range of stakeholders – from start-ups and industry to research institutions. It is exactly at these intersections that the most interesting ideas, collaborations and innovations often emerge. 

You bring experience from research, industrial collaboration and the start-up environment. What are you currently working on at Chemie-Cluster Bayern, and which topics and projects are you involved in?

I am involved in various activities and projects at Chemie-Cluster Bayern. These include, among others, the CREATE project, participation in the CCU/CCS expert group, and supporting start-ups as well as member companies. 

A current focus of your work is also the organization of Pitch & Bond – Chemistry in Transformation. What is the event about, and why is this format particularly exciting for start-ups, industry and investors?

Pitch & Bond brings together start-ups, industrial companies, investors and other innovation stakeholders from the chemistry and DeepTech ecosystem. 

The focus is on solutions that contribute to the transformation of the chemical and process industries – for example in areas such as circular economy, sustainable chemistry and bioeconomy. 

What I find especially exciting is that the event is not just about pitching. It creates space for real conversations, new connections and potential collaborations. For start-ups, it is a great opportunity to gain visibility and engage directly with industry and investors. At the same time, companies gain early insights into new technologies and innovative solution approaches. 

And finally, a more personal question: What would you describe as your personal “superpower”?

My superpower is turning “this is a problem” into “this is something we could try.” From my research background, I learned how to systematically analyze challenges while also developing creative solution approaches. Especially at the intersection of chemistry, bioeconomy and innovation, this solution-oriented mindset helps me every single day.