Deadline: 01/04/2021

The International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC₃) launched the call for applications for the ISC₃ Innovation Challenge in Sustainable Chemistry and Renewable Energies. The ISC₃ Innovation Challenge 2020/2021 addresses innovators from around the world which are active in developing sustainable chemistry solutions linked to renewable energies. Five finalists will receive access to the customized support within the ISC₃ Global Start-up Service as well as pitch training, networking possibilities and visibility via the ISC₃ communication channels.

In the frame of the November-held Investor Forum 2021, the winner of the Innovation Challenge 2021 will be awarded a monetary prize of 15,000 EUR. In addition, the winners of two further categories, namely &ldquoBest Social Impact&rdquo and &ldquoBest Regional Impact&rdquo, will receive monetary prizes of 5.000 EUR each. All three winners will also gain Digital Award Credentials including certificate and badge. Contest applications will be accepted from 0:00 a.m. (CET) December 18, 2020 until 0:00 a.m. (CEST) April 1, 2021.

The ISC₃ Innovation Challenge aims to engage, award and promote sustainable chemistry innovators and their original solutions, since the transformation of the chemical sector plays a key role towards achieving most of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The ISC₃ Innovation Challenge is held annually and is thematically oriented on an annually selected focus topic. The first ISC₃ Innovation Challenge 2019/20 called for innovations in the field of Sustainable Living and Building. The second ISC₃ Innovation Challenge 2020/2021 is dedicated to innovative Sustainable Chemistry and Renewable Energy solutions, such as:

• Sustainable chemistry solutions for renewable energy supply and greenhouse gas reduction
• Performance of materials and technologies
• Chemical production technologies based on carbon neutral energy and CO₂ feedstock supply
• Durability and resilience
• Renewable energy sources as feedstock supply in chemical transformations
• Storage capacity building

Proposals submitted by innovators and entrepreneurs from developing countries and tackling challenges in developing countries are particularly encouraged, as are proposals coming from female entrepreneurs.

After the proposal evaluation period (June 1 &ndash July 9, 2021), the five finalists will be officially announced after July 15, 2021. The Innovation Challenge Award Ceremony will be held in the frame of the Investor Forum in November 2021.