For the second time, enterprising scientists, future founders, and startup owners are invited to apply for the ACHEMA Founders' Award. Ideas, concepts, and business plans from the fields of chemistry, process engineering, and biotechnology are now open for submission. The finalists have the unique opportunity to present their ideas to an international audience at ACHEMA 2018. Three overall winners will also receive €10,000 each.
The chemical industry is a driving force for innovation in numerous other sectors. Innovations in chemistry, process engineering, and biotechnology can fundamentally improve technologies and products across the board. Yet the number of start-ups in these areas is low. Good ideas and young entrepreneurs need more support in developing new business areas; access to experienced mentors and the opportunity to network are considered at least as important as financial aspects.
Idea generators and company founders: Apply now!
Therefore, DECHEMA, the Business Angels FrankfurtRheinMain and the High-Tech Founders Fund at ACHEMA 2018 for the second time the ACHEMA Founders' Prize Idea providers and company founders can apply now. Unlike the first award in 2015, this time no restriction to specific categoriesAll topics that are also represented at ACHEMA are permitted, from plant engineering to industrial biotechnology.
The competition runs over three phases: ideas can be submitted until March 31, 2017, concepts until July 31, 2017, and business plans until November 31, 2017. Especially in the early phases, applicants have the opportunity to discuss their concepts with high-level, expert mentors right from the start and receive support in developing their business plans.
Applicants, as well as startups founded or in the process of being founded after July 1, 2015, will have access to potential investors during this early phase to discuss financing options. Regardless of when they entered the competition, all business plans submitted by November 30, 2017, will be considered for a spot in the finals.
Opportunity to pitch and network
Up to ten promising startups or startup ideas will have the opportunity to present themselves and network at ACHEMA 2018 as part of a startup award booth and a special pitch session. Three overall winners will also receive prize money of €10,000 each.
