A unique lab-embedded program offers an opportunity for innovators in green chemistry to receive equity-free funding for up to 12 months. Designed to fast-track the validation of sustainable business models and technologies, the innovate! call is open to a global audience, including early-stage scientific spinouts, researchers with promising patents, and entrepreneurs seeking new technologies. The program provides guaranteed furnished housing and access to Berlin's vibrant innovation ecosystem, positioning it as a launchpad for the next generation of green chemistry leaders.
Program Timeline
• Program Dates: April 21st, 2026 - March 31st, 2027
• Application Deadline: March 15th, 2026
Program Benefits
• Equity-free Funding: Participants receive philanthropic funding, with over €700,000 awarded to innovators without any equity stake or other obligations.
• Excellent Infrastructure: Gain access to dedicated, free-of-charge laboratory facilities to accelerate technology development.
• Tailored Program: Engage with a proven validation program specifically adapted for green chemistry, supported by leading researchers and a comprehensive mentor network.
• Housing & Visa Support: Benefit from a guaranteed, fully furnished apartment and direct support for German visa applications, facilitating a smooth transition to Berlin.
• Berlin Ecosystem: Become part of a dynamic innovation landscape in a central European hub for deep tech entrepreneurs and sustainability startups.
Applicant Profile and Program Tracks
The program is designed for innovators with a vision, intellectual property, or both, offering three distinct tracks to accommodate different starting points. It welcomes international teams, individuals, and inventors with unexploited patents, without regard to age, country of origin, or background. Please note that founded companies and institutional applications are not eligible.
• Track A - Entrepreneurs without Patent: For entrepreneurs and aspiring founders who have a strong vision but lack their own chemistry patent. This track provides access to pre-vetted technologies and opportunities to develop business ideas.
• Track B - Inventors & Patent Holders: Designed for inventors with valuable, unexploited green chemistry IP who do not wish to become entrepreneurs. This track connects IP holders with ambitious entrepreneurs ready to bring innovations to market.
• Track C - Entrepreneurs with Patent: For inventors, as teams or individuals, who possess a green chemistry technology and aim to become entrepreneurs. This track supports the transition from researcher to founder, focusing on technology validation and business development.
Program Structure and Support
The innovate! call is an intensive validation program in Berlin lasting up to twelve months. It supports the formation of new teams around available intellectual property and welcomes both individuals and pre-formed spinout teams. Selected participants, known as “Inno-Talents,” receive comprehensive support including philanthropic funding, a structured validation program, dedicated laboratory space, and expert mentorship. Each team is required to secure an “Inno-Director”—a scientific advisor from a Berlin University Alliance partner—to provide guidance throughout the program. The three tracks are designed to interact, encouraging collaboration among entrepreneurial individuals, inventors, and spinout teams.
Funding and Financial Details
The program is committed to supporting innovators without taking equity or attaching hidden conditions. Key financial benefits include:
• Stipends: Up to 10 stipends are awarded to Inno-Talents. The monthly amount is €2,500 for those with a master’s degree and €3,000 for those with a PhD, with an additional €150 per month for each dependent child.
• Material & Investment Budget: Each team is granted up to €40,000 for expenses related to technology development.
• Mentorship Budget: Teams receive a budget of 30 hours for use with accredited program mentors.
• Relocation Support: Assistance is provided for relocating to Berlin, including access to furnished apartments through a housing partner and guidance through the visa application process.
Intellectual Property Policy
The program operates as a neutral facilitator regarding intellectual property (IP). It does not impose conditions on or take ownership of IP. Inventors retain full control of their existing (Background IP) and newly developed (Foreground IP) creations. Participants are expected to establish clear collaboration agreements, and the program assists in articulating expectations to form fair agreements. These agreements remain solely between the involved participants. National regulations, such as the German Employee Inventions Act, remain in full effect.
Application and Selection Process
To apply, candidates must submit their application online by the deadline of March 15th, 2026. The program team will review all submissions and shortlist candidates. Following the initial review, each of the three tracks follows a distinct selection path.
Organized by greenCHEM, this initiative is purely mission-driven. The program's structure ensures an agile, founder-first operating model focused on accelerating green chemistry innovations and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. The success of its participants is the ultimate measure of its impact.