Picture: Prof. Dr. Bastian Etzold, Holder of the Chair of Power-to-X Technologies at Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen–Nürnberg (FAU)
In December 2024, Prof. Dr. Bastian Etzold, holder of the Chair of Power-to-X Technologies established in 2023 at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), approached the Chemistry Cluster Bavaria with a concrete request: support in identifying additional suitable industrial project partners for a proposal under the ERDF funding programme Strategic Technologies for Europe (STEP).
The goal: a research project to develop innovative AI-supported digital twins to improve energy efficiency and drive electrification in the chemical process industry. The aim is to make processes more efficient, reduce costs, and at the same time contribute to the decarbonisation of the chemical industry. The project also evaluates different transition pathways and options and creates a basis for well-founded investment decisions.
Within a very short time, we mobilised our network, established direct contacts, and expanded the pool of potential partners, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises. We also went beyond our member base – for example, by engaging regional business development agencies in Weiden, Neustadt an der Waldnaab and Tirschenreuth, as well as public authorities.
Thanks to this targeted outreach, a broad and regionally balanced project team was assembled.
Within just four weeks, a project team of eleven Bavarian companies was formed – including six SMEs. This fulfilled the minimum requirement for submitting the proposal.
All participating companies confirmed their active involvement by signing Letters of Intent (LoI). The proposal was approved in June 2025, and the project officially began in July.
This example illustrates how we, as a cluster, operate at the interface between science and industry: with sector understanding, many years of experience in technology transfer, and direct access to decision-makers, we translate ambitious research ideas into viable collaborations.
Prof. Dr. Bastian Etzold, Holder of the Chair of Power-to-X Technologies, FAU
“The professional and efficient collaboration with the Chemistry Cluster Bavaria was excellent. Only with the Cluster’s network – combined with our own – was it possible to assemble an outstanding project team with strong industrial participation in such a short time.”
Dr. Vroni Walter, Member of the Executive Board, Epple Druckfarben AG
“For us, participation is an opportunity to make our processes more sustainable and efficient – using the most modern digital tools.”
Sebastian Ziller, Head of Development, Süd-West-Chemie GmbH
“Thanks to the support of the Chemistry Cluster, we were able to become part of a project that gives us access to cutting-edge technology and innovative software solutions.”
Prof. Dr. Etzold’s chair was established as part of the High-Tech Agenda Bavaria and the renowned Bavarian Distinguished Professorship Programme. The project is thus not only an example of successful technology transfer, but also a contribution to strengthening Bavaria as a science and industry hub.
It also symbolises the role of the Chemistry Cluster Bavaria: scientific excellence meets industrial practice – creating collaborations that accelerate innovation.
You have an idea – we have a continuously growing network with 130+ members and the expertise. Whether project initiation, project-team building or accessing funding opportunities: get in touch with us.
We connect people, ideas and innovations – efficiently, precisely and with long-term perspective.
Picture: Joseph Heenan (Managing Director) and Venugopal Gudipati (Chief Scientific Officer) at Proteineer GmbH
How targeted networking enables innovation: CCB member Proteineer was urgently looking for laboratory space – and thanks to the Chemie-Cluster Bayern, found the right location within just a few weeks at the historic Industrial Center Obernburg.
For technology-driven start-ups, finding suitable laboratory space is often a major challenge. This was also the case for Proteineer, a young company working on AI-assisted protein synthesis. In order to continue its research and development, the team urgently needed appropriate laboratory facilities – with potential for future growth.
In early May 2025, Proteineer reached out to the Chemie-Cluster Bayern with this request. Within just a few days, the Cluster proposed several suitable options, including the Industrial Center Obernburg – a long-established industrial site in Bavaria’s Lower Main region with more than 100 years of tradition.
Through the Cluster’s targeted networking, contact between Proteineer and ICO was quickly established: an initial phone call was followed shortly afterwards by an on-site visit. Within only four weeks, it was agreed that Proteineer could move into laboratory space at ICO – to be shared with another company.
The swift matchmaking demonstrates how valuable the Cluster is as a bridge between innovative start-ups and established industrial partners:
Thus, a location with more than 100 years of industrial history meets cutting-edge high-tech innovation – a strong example of how networking paves the way for new developments.
🧬 Proteineer (Joseph Heenan, Managing Director):
“Without the support of the Chemie-Cluster Bayern, we would not have found suitable lab space this quickly. The network connected us with the right partners in no time.”
🏭 Mainsite (Sebastian Krug, Head of Site Development):
“We are delighted to welcome Proteineer, a young and innovative company, to our site. The connection was made through the Chemie-Cluster Bayern – a great example of how networking creates real added value.”
Would you like to learn more about the opportunities within the network, or are you facing similar challenges yourself?
Then feel free to get in touch with the Chemie-Cluster Bayern team – we will support you in finding the right partners and driving your ideas forward.
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The CCB Dialogue: Focus on CSRD is a digital meeting format for medium-sized companies that are subject to reporting requirements or are otherwise interested in the topic. The focus is on the implementation of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
In a confidential setting, participants share their experiences, discuss challenges, and present practical solutions – openly, hands-on, and collegially.
The format was launched in 2024 at the request of a member company. Following an introductory presentation by the German Sustainability Code, the first virtual exchange took place in January 2025. Due to the positive feedback, the dialogue continued on July 1, 2025 – this time with a focus on current regulatory developments and the key question: How are other SMEs dealing with the new CSRD requirements?
Would you like to join the CCB Dialogue or stay informed about future sessions? Then feel free to get in touch with us!
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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.
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 morning pitch session focused entirely on hydrogen – an essential element for the sustainable transformation and defossilization of industry.
In the afternoon, the pitches continued, with start-ups from various fields of chemistry and biotechnology presenting their solutions:
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:
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!
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On July 1, 2025, the Bootshaus in Nuremberg became the meeting point for innovation, entrepreneurship, and forward thinking: Pitch & Bond – The Chemistry of Innovation brought together start-ups, industry, and investors for an evening full of ideas, inspiration, and genuine connections.
The event was jointly organized by Chemie-Cluster Bayern (CCB) and ChemSPACE / TUM Venture Labs – with the goal of not just imagining innovation in chemistry, but actively shaping it.
💡 Innovation meets reality
A total of 15 start-ups presented their solutions at the intersection of chemistry, circular economy, digitalization, and material innovation. From AI-driven material research to bio-based products and reimagined recycling systems – the pitches impressively demonstrated what is possible when challenges are met with entrepreneurial spirit. Among the participants were:
Lignopure, Mycolever, blue activity, ZAITRUS, Fluvion, Twogee Biotech, Cyclize, AC Biode, CircularFabrics, xemx materials, space exploration GmbH, ExoMatter, ESy-Labs GmbH, COLIPI, Qkera, and AccelionTech.
🧪 “Try it… you might like it.”
A special highlight of the evening was the keynote by Boris Buchtala (Bosch Research). Under the title Venture Clienting, he offered an honest, practice-oriented look into collaboration between start-ups and large corporations – with a clear message: Less talk, more action.
👥 Meeting at eye level
Pitch & Bond was not only a stage for technologies, but above all a space for genuine exchange. This was also reflected in the photo challenge under the motto “Take a photo of your Innovation Hero” – a creative call to appreciate the people behind the ideas.
🤝 Made possible together
A big thank you goes to the organizing team of Chemie-Cluster Bayern, especially Dr. Theresa Dörres and Sabine Reising, as well as the TUM Venture Labs / ChemSPACE team led by Dr. Sabine Oldemeyer, who jointly brought this event to life as strong partners.
We would like to thank all contributors, guests, and partners who made this evening so special.
Let’s keep bonding – and see you next year at Pitch & Bond 2026!
Impressions of the event “Small WITH Big” – Copyright: German Popp / Fotoatelier im Hafen
In April of this year, one of our annual highlights in the event calendar was on the agenda: our COOPERATION AND PITCHING EVENT “SMALL WITH BIG – TOGETHER FOR MORE SUSTAINABILITY!? in the unique location Kraftzentrale in Straubing.
Very big on this evening: COOPERATION – so the event took place in cooperation with our partners from BioCampus Straubing GmbH and in the context of the start-up competition PlanB – Biobased.Business.Bavaria.
The goal: to focus on cooperations of all kinds for more sustainability from different perspectives:
With three inspiring KEY NOTES, the tandem Kelheim Fibres GmbH with Dominik Mayer and Sumo GmbH with Caspar Boehme, Aurel Specker from Sihl GmbH and Dr. Nik Raupp from High-Tech Gründerfonds provided insights into different forms of innovation collaboration between corporates and start-ups, but also investors.
Four CORPORATE REVERSE PITCHES provided plenty of material for the subsequent speed round tables: Dichtungstechnik Wallstabe & Schneider GmbH & Co. KG with Tobias Proksch, SONAX GmbH with Dr. Mikhail Meilikhov, Südzucker Group with Dr. Sebastian Kunz and Wacker Chemie AG with Dr. Eva Maria Hahn presented current sustainability challenges from their respective companies, which they would like to tackle in cooperation with innovation partners and startups.
Of course, networking was not neglected – because there is no cooperation without talks! In concluding SPEEDROUNDTABLES all challenges were discussed and results were recorded. During the subsequent relaxed exchange at 11 start-up booths, the approx. 80 guests finished off the evening with good food.
For us it was especially great to be able to organize a cooperation event with such great partners! Thanks to Ann-Kathrin Wagner and Sophia Friedl from BioCampus Straubing GmbH for the great cooperation!
We would also like to thank our members Sihl GmbH, SONAX GmbH & Wacker Chemie AG for their active support during the event with their presentations and sustainability challenges.
How to foster transfer between cutting-edge research in Germany and industry? How do you bring funding, talent, research and industry together and build an ecosystem for transfer and innovation?
An answer to this question was offered by the interactive event TRANSFERleben 2021, organized and hosted by Bayern Innovativ, with support from the Fraunhofer Institute IIS and the Center for Digital Technology and Management. On November 12, 2021, we from the Chemie-Cluster Bayern participated in this event. After two inspiring presentations by Nicole Büttner-Thiel, CEO of MerantixLABS, and Prof. Dr. Helmut Schönenberger, CEO of UnternehmerTUM, two exciting workshops around the topics of digital technologies for closed-loop solutions and strengthening the innovative power of SMEs awaited us. Overall, the event was a good opportunity to make new contacts and expand our knowledge. The exchange with the Fraunhofer Institute IIS and the Center for Digital Technology and Management will not only be continued, a further cooperation and joint organization of workshops is planned.
The third online seminar of the Cross-Cluster project impressively demonstrated that networking also works in online events. On the online platform gather.town, the cluster created a small world in which you could walk around with your avatar. This enabled an interactive exchange between the individual participants in bi- or trilateral conversations, which is difficult to realize in the context of a typical online conference. This offering was used extensively, especially at the end of the event. In addition, building on advance information, targeted matchmaking sessions were initiated in various rooms. In these virtual rooms, participants were able to introduce themselves to each other under guided moderation, as well as discuss the opportunities and challenges of partner identification. In addition, an online bulletin board with offers and requests was provided, which was actively used. From the matchmaking sessions and the pinboard, more than 30 networks could be realized directly or afterwards.
Under the slogan “Innovation through cooperation” we regularly invite to our start – up days. This series of events aims at interconnecting start-ups with well established businesses. We provide insight into potentials, forms of cooperation and key success factors for the collaboration with start-ups. Moreover, we present the diverse start-up scene.
The start-up day offers an exchange of experience and technological impulses on a selected topic. It includes best-practice examples, workshops and matchmaking.
Bavaria’s chemical industry is one of the best worldwide – for the moment. Disruptive innovations and an increasing competition within Germany but also abroad are increasingly challenging existing business models and proven technologies.
This is particularly defying for medium-sized companies which often do not have their own innovation department. Therefore, we have decided to organise start-up days in order to offer a platform for the exchange between start-ups and companies and to promote innovation.
On the 9th of October 2019, Chemie-Cluster Bayern participated in the Brokerage Event “Horizon 2020 for the Circular Economy & Transforming Industry (#CETI_H2020)” in Warsaw.
On behalf of our cluster members, we were able to establish numerous contacts with experts and companies from all over Europe, which will enable the establishment of EU-funded international research and development projects.
