Empowering scientists to build successful ventures
We help Europe’s most ambitious startups in the chemical space get off the ground. Our support is designed to help you move faster, make better decisions, and build a company that truly makes an impact. No rigid program, no mandatory events or generic workshops.
Every startup is different
... and so is our support
Everything we do is to help you progress faster and achieve your goals. Instead of a fixed curriculum, we offer hands-on mentoring that’s 100% tailored to your specific needs. Whether you need help with understanding chemical markets, scaling your technology, or closing your financing round — we’re here to help.
Biweekly personalized mentoring
Every startup gets its own path. No one-size-fits-all.
Expert matchmaking
Access to a network of people who understand the complexity of the chemical industry.
Insight sessions
Access to a network of people who understand the complexity of the chemical industry.
Investor introductions
Access to a network of people who understand the complexity of the chemical industry.
Flexible by design
You set the pace. Start anytime. Pause anytime.
Free of charge
We don’t take equity or fees.
Track record and success stories
Over the past four years, we have worked with some of the most ambitious startups from across Europe who are shaping the future of the chemical industry.
Cohorts
Startups
Funding raised
Countries
How to get in
Before anything else, we start with a casual 20-minute chat – no pressure, no pitch. Just a chance to get to know each other and explore whether our support fits your journey. And we are always open to give feedback, even if you´re not yet in our support.
When you’re ready, here are the next steps:
Step 1
Submit your application
Fill out a short online form to tell us about what you are building and how it’s contributing to the transformation of the chemical industry.
Step 2
Join sparring
A focused session with the chemstars team. You’ll receive feedback on your pitch, we will discuss your 3-5 most pressing challenges and how we can help overcome them. If you get us excited, we’ll figure out the best time to join our program and invite you to one of our next Entry Pitch Days.
Step 3
Get our partners excited
Join one of our in-person Entry Pitch Days to present yourself in front of our industry partners and us. Get our partners excited to become part of the next chemstars cohort.
FAQs
Find answers to your most pressing questions about our Startup Support.
Most programs aren’t built for startups with touchpoints to the chemical industry. But chemstars definitely is. We understand what you are talking about and we can relate to your specific challenges. Our expertise lies in deep industry knowledge and a powerful network that help you make progress faster.
We welcome applications from European startups who are building solutions that contribute to a more sustainable, digital, circular, or safe chemical industry.We are stage-agnostic, meaning we work with founders from pre-seed to growth stage. What matters most to us is your ambition, your expertise, and your potential for impact. And that you allocate 100% of your time on building your venture.
No, our support is 100% free, no strings attached. We do not take any equity or fees. Our only ask is that you’re serious about building something that matters. If you are willing to share your experience with other founders, that is definitely a plus.
No. The program is fully virtual, except for one in-person Entry Pitch Day in Essen.
We focus on startups with a strong scientific foundation that accelerate the transformation of the chemical industry:
Going circural:
Circular business models, waste-to-resource technologies and strategies to close material loops across the chemical value chain.
Going climate neutral:
Breakthrough technologies and processes to reduce emissions, increase energy efficiency and integrate renewable energy into chemical production.
Going digital:
Digital tools like AI, Big Data, and blockchain that enhance transparency, efficiency and traceability in production, logistics, and sustainability reporting.
Safe and sustainable chemicals:
Next-generation chemicals that meet regulatory demands and market needs.
Biweekly mentoring sessions are the core of our 6 months Startup Support. Everything we do is to help you progress faster and achieve your goals. Since there is no rigid program, no mandatory events or generic workshops, you decided how much time you allocate to working with us.
We select startups during our Entry Pitch Days with the help of our corporate partners. If you convince them, you are in.
Still can't decide?
Explore the impactful journeys of startups that have thrived with oursupport and guidance.