(Translated with ChatGPT without further editing)

On October 1, 2024, the Chemistry Pitch Day 2024 took place at the Karl-Bröger-Haus in Nuremberg, organized by Chemie-Cluster Bayern and the High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF). This event offered innovative start-ups from the chemistry and biotech sectors the opportunity to present their groundbreaking technologies to a diverse professional audience of investors, industry, policymakers, and academia. Alongside the exciting pitches, inspiring keynotes and valuable networking opportunities were at the center of the day.

Bavarian Impulses for the Future of Chemistry

The event began with a keynote session on sustainable chemistry in Bavaria. Dr. Roland Appel from the Bavarian Chemical Industry Association (VCI) emphasized in his speech the role of Bavaria’s chemical industry as a driver of innovation and sustainable transformation. This was complemented by contributions from Dr. Christian Geltinger of the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, who highlighted the opportunities sustainable innovations offer for Bavarian companies. Dr. Laura Lautenschläger from BioCampus Straubing GmbH then presented how start-ups in Bavaria are supported in the field of bioeconomy through initiatives such as the Plan B competition for young enterprises and the multi-purpose facility currently under construction at the Straubing-Sand port.

The Pitches: Innovations for a Greener Future

The morning pitch session focused entirely on hydrogen – an essential element for the sustainable transformation and defossilization of industry.

• ReCatalyst from Slovenia, presented by Tomaz Bizjak, showcased its technology for more efficient use of precious metals in fuel cells and hydrogen electrolysis applications. This is particularly relevant for reducing costs and supporting sustainability.
• ionysis, presented by Lisa Langer, brings a groundbreaking technology to market by replacing fluorinated materials with innovative hydrocarbon-based materials, making hydrogen applications more sustainable.
• elementarhy, introduced by Arne Birth, offers scalable electrochemical solutions for the hydrogen industry to help build an emissions-free society.

In the afternoon, the pitches continued, with start-ups from various fields of chemistry and biotechnology presenting their solutions:

• CYNiO, presented by Michéle Tille, uses CO₂ to produce sustainable isocyanates for industry in a cost-efficient way. This patented technology enables the production of a wide range of chemicals at lower cost than conventional suppliers while even reducing emissions.
• HeiQ Xpectra, presented by Dr. Oliver Zech, revolutionizes insulation technology with 25% better performance and significant cost- and time-efficiency, contributing to the goals of the EU Green Deal.
• Sustanix, represented by Sarvesh Poddar, develops coatings and additives that are fully plant-based and recyclable, aiming to replace fossil polymers in packaging and cosmetics.

Before the coffee break, Prof. Dr. Dirk Honold of Nuremberg Tech gave an inspiring keynote on how start-ups in chemistry and biotechnology can be promoted and supported so that their innovation potential can be fully leveraged in Germany.

The day concluded with four more exciting pitches focused on the material use of CO₂:

• Power2Polymers, presented by Dr. Guido Schroer, introduced a sustainable technology platform designed to revolutionize the specialty polymer market by developing tailor-made, high-performance materials.
• Co2ol Catalyst, presented by Dr. Christian Weilach, develops a technology to convert CO₂ emissions into methanol using a sulfur-resistant catalyst.
• Copper Lavender AB, presented by Denys Shevchenko, aims to replace petrochemical products with renewable CO₂-based alternatives.
• CO2BioClean GmbH, presented by Dr. Fabiana Fantinel and Dr. Josef Glass, uses CO₂ as a feedstock for the production of biodegradable polymers that are cost-effective and versatile.

Between the pitches and during the breaks, participants took the opportunity for extensive exchange and networking. The event provided an ideal platform for dialogue between start-ups, investors, and experts from the chemical industry. Many valuable connections were made that will hopefully lead to future collaborations.

As a result, the Chemistry Pitch Day 2024 was a day full of forward-looking ideas and valuable networking opportunities, showcasing the enormous potential of the chemical industry for the sustainable transformation of our society.

Our sincere thanks go to the High-Tech Gründerfonds for their collaboration, which made this highlight of 2024 possible in the first place. We look forward to the further developments of the participating start-ups and will be following their upcoming milestones with great interest.

We hope the following impressions will also spark your anticipation for the next edition of Chemistry Pitch Day!