Chemical Industry Disrupt 2026

Join us for a day that could redefine your approach to chemical innovation.

Type

In-person conference

Location

Düsseldorf, Germany

Date

Thursday, 16 April 2026

Time

2:00 am - 11:00 pm

Whether you're seeking strategic partnerships, investment opportunities or insights into emerging trends in chemical innovation, Chemical Industry Disrupt 2026 got you.

Experience an exclusive afternoon full of networking opportunities, dynamic panels, keynotes and exciting pitch sessions. Gain insights from top experts and discover transformative solutions from startups pushing the boundaries of sustainable chemistry.​

With numerous opportunities to connect over coffee, snacks and drinks, this event is your chance to engage with leading minds and emerging innovators transforming the world of chemistry.

Strategic Partnerships

Form meaningful connections with potential partners, suppliers and customers. Past events have catalyzed investments, technology licensing agreements and strategic collaborations valued in the millions of euros.

Innovation Insights

Gain early visibility into breakthrough technologies and emerging trends before they reach the mainstream. Stay ahead of competitors by understanding where the industry is heading and positioning your organization accordingly.

Investment Opportunities

For investors and CVC teams, discover promising startups and technologies worthy of investment. For entrepreneurs, connect with potential funders and strategic investors who understand chemical industry dynamics.

Ecosystem Integration

Become part of Europe's most dynamic chemical innovation ecosystem. Build relationships with policy makers and industry associations that can support your long-term success.

Strategic clarity and market intelligence

Refine your organization's innovation strategy based on insights from industry leaders and subject matter experts. Understand which trends warrant immediate action and which require monitoring.

    
    Wohnzimmer

Where you hear leading voices from across the chemical innovation ecosystem. Through talks, fireside chats, and panel discussions, experts will explore key topics shaping the industry, from financing and building first-of-a-kind plants to the latest trends in materials discovery and the role of AI in chemical operations. The stage is designed to spark conversation, share insights, and connect perspectives from corporates, startups, and investors.

14:00

Opening & Welcome Adress

Stefan Weber (Lead Ecosystem & Communication, chemstars)
Martin Bellof (Lead Strategy & Ventures, chemstars)
Johannes Velling (Director General "Digitalization and Startups", MWIKE NRW)

14:15

Chemistry in times of uncertainty: Building Resilience, not Sustainability

Erwin Douma (Senior Partner, Roland Berger)
Sarah Hintermayer (Head of Geostrategy, Macroeconomics & Sustainability, Evonik Industries)

14:50

How to Build and Finance FOAK

Tobias Lechtenfeld (Executive Director, Tech for Net Zero)
Rob van der Meij (Partner, Capricorn Partners)
Jakob Röskamp (CFO, Traceless Materials)

15:20

Latest Trends from Materials Discovery

Govert Verkes (Agents and Lab Integration Lead, Cusp.ai)
Jan-Willem Handgraaf (Principal Enterprise Engineer, Siemens)

15:50

Networking Break

16:30

AI in Chemical Operations: From Pilot to Global Rollout

Alexander Ebbrecht (CEO & Co-Founder, akeno)
Nikolaus Grebe (Head of Global Digitalization & Process Optimization Supply Chain, BASF Coatings)

17:00

How to Bridge the Series B Funding Gap

Mark Windeknecht (Principal, World Fund)
Claas Heise (Executive Director, NRW Bank)
Franziska Schlumprecht (Senior Manager Ventures & Ecosystem, chemstars)

17:30

Deep Dive on Offtake-Agreements

Wolfgang Edel (Director Business Development Sustainability BES, Brenntag)
David Wakerley (CTO & Co-Founder, Dioxycle)

    
     Amsterdam Lounge

This stage is dedicated to startup innovation. Across five verticals - Recycling Solutions, Digital Solutions, AI-enhanced R&D, Water Treatment, and Sustainable Feedstock — 25 selected startups will present their technologies and business models to the audience. The sessions provide a fast-paced overview of emerging solutions that are driving the next wave of transformation in the chemical industry.

14:50

Digital Solutions

akeno, findIQ, juna, kimia, Sybilion

15:20

Recycling Solutions

cyclize, Plastic Back, Radical Dot, re.solution, Secara

15:50

Networking Break

16:30

Sustainable Feedstock

enaDyne, Power2Polymers, Simplyfined, Spark e-Fuels, Teno Bioworks

17:00

AI enhanced R&D

Cusp.ai, exomatter, Level Nine, New Wave Biotech, R2A Labs

17:30

Water Treatment

BlueActivity, Porelio, retein, sudoc, Watergenics

We’re excited to welcome you to an environment that fosters connection and the kind of energy that drives transformation.

The distinguished Place to be | Forty Four is a stunning venue overlooking Düsseldorf’s vibrant skyline offering a sophisticated setting for an afternoon of insight and inspiration.

From its rooftop terrace to its spacious, state-of-the-art event rooms, this venue provides the ideal backdrop for Chemical Industry Disrupt 2026.

2025

The first edition of Chemical Industry Disrupt in 2025 brought together innovators, investors, corporates, and startups from across the chemical ecosystem for an inspiring day of exchange and collaboration. With a dynamic program, insightful discussions, and high-energy startup pitches, the event created a vibrant atmosphere that sparked new ideas and partnerships. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests confirmed one thing: the chemical industry is ready for disruption.

120+

Guests

15+

Speakers

25+

Startups

Stefan Weber

Founder & Lead Ecosystem & Communication

In case you have any general or specific questions about From Lab to Market Challenge and the application process, feel free to contact our team any time.

We’re committed to ensuring your experience is exceptional from the first point of contact through the networking reception.