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Highlight session
Recruiting cells for chemical  production: Novel biological  production systems

Companies like Genomatica are revolutionizing the way chemicals are produced. Supported by advanced analytics and high-throughput research and development processes, they are true biological mega-factories, creating a steady stream of novel biological production systems. With an increasing knowledge about the workings of metabolism and enzymes, there seems to be no limit to what can achieved – or is there?

Highlight session
Closing the loop with chemical recycling: Potentials and challenges

Running around in circles may not be the best way to move forward, but it is highly desirable when dealing with plastics, i.e. carbon-based polymers. Closing the loop solves two problems at once: The dependency on fossil resources is reduced, and plastic waste no longer litters the environment, but is treated as a valuable raw material. So far, however, plastics recycling has been limited by purity and quality specifications that in turn have required sophisticated collection and sorting systems. Chemical recycling seems to offer a way out, especially for plastics that cannot be directly recycled due to their purity: instead of burning the plastics and thus using the energy they contain, the material is broken down radically into its most basic components, monomers, or even further into synthesisgas. These can again be the building blocks for new high-quality products. Is this the “missing link” to close the cycle?

Highlight session
Hydrogen as a game changer within process industries

Gold rush, oil rush, hydrogen rush? After the enthusiasm of the the ’80s, the hydrogen buzz seemed to have died down – only to experience a stunning revival in recent years. With the increasing supply of renewable energy and the urgent need to bring down CO₂ emissions, hydrogen presents itself as the natural link for sector coupling and the ideal reagent for chemical production. In principle, we are set for a green and clean future – if we solve a couple of challenges such as the scale-up of electrolysers or the logistics needed for a “hydrogen economy”.

Highlight session
Artificial intelligence – Data  utilization for advanced processes and product  development

There is no shortage of data in the process industries, but how can this treasure grove be exploited? Artificial intelligence is able to process tremendous amounts of data and draw conclusions much faster than any engineer could do. Recognising patterns, drawing deductions, making predictions – can AI replace the human brain? Or is  intelligence more than a machine can ever learn?