Competition

ACHEMA Start-Up Award

Creating the future of the life science and process industry

In the run-up to ACHEMA 2027, DECHEMA, the Business Angels FrankfurtRheinMain and the High-Tech Gründerfonds are announcing the ACHEMA Start-up Award to support creators of tomorrow in paving the way for innovations in chemistry, process engineering and biotechnology!

We are looking for Doers and Creators

You are planning to found a company alone or with others or have already started your business after 1 January 2024? Then participate in the ACHEMA Start-up Award 2027.

  • All contestants receive individual feedback on their business plans
  • The Top 10 finalists have the uniqe opportunity to showcase their technology or product in the ACHEMA Start-up Award section of the exhibition
  • The winning team receives the ACHEMA Start-up Award on stage at ACHEMA 2027 and a prize money of 15,000 Euro. 

Additional Benefits

  • Networking: Establish contacts with potenial customers and business partners
  • Visibility: Gain the attention of the global industry
  • Investors: Find financial support for your innvation
  • Advice: Benefit from the experience of industrial and financial experts

In addition to your chance to win the competition, from the very beginning we bring you in touch with mentors and venture capitalists. The prerequisite: Your business plan is finished. If you are not that far yet, submit your concept until 31 August 2026 and get feedback on how to progress from there.

The Profile of Doers

  • You founded your company after January 1st, 2024, or you are in the concept or business plan phase.
  • You are developing new technologies and/or business models in the fields of chemistry, process engineering or biotechnology.
  • You are looking for access to mentors, investors and the global process industry

The Timeline

  • January 2026: Submission opens for concepts and business plans
  • 31 August 2026: Deadline for concept submission
  • 30 November 2026: Deadline for business plan submission. All business plans that will have been submitted by 30 November 2026 will be considered in the competition. 
  • January 2027: The finalists are selected - they are going to ACHEMA 2027!
  • Feburary 2027: The finalists pitch to the jury that selects the overall winner
  • 14-18 June 2027: ACHEMA 2027 - showcase your solution to the global industry
  • 16 June 2027: Start-ups on stage: The ACHEMA Start-up Award Session with pitches of all finalists and the announcement of the winner

Becoming a partner or supporter

We are looking for partners and premium partners
small, medium and large enterprises willing to shape their industry
More information for partners
 

We are looking for supporters
organisations, associations and media who want to pave the way for innovation
Meet our supporters

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