Evonik is a global leader in specialty chemicals. Evonik’s electrochemistry group in Hanau, Germany owns a state-of-the-art electrochemistry lab & pilot plant, e-Hub, coupled with extensive analytical and specialized testing capabilities (e.g. coin cell testing).
To catalyze the development and adaptation of emerging electrochemical processes, Evonik is pleased to offer “Electrochemistry Hub (e-Hub)” program to select startups with promising technologies.
The Electrochemistry Hub (e-Hub) Opportunity
Evonik is seeking to host startups in our electrochemistry pilot plant facility in Hanau, Germany. The facility is nested within Wolfgang Industrial Park—Evonik’s large R&D and chemicals production complex in Hanau—an 820,000 m² site with over 3,000 employees.
For a pre-negotiated monthly fee, selected startups can rent a dedicated space tailored to their needs and conduct R&D within the Evonik e-Hub building. Startup may either utilize Evonik’s existing equipment (e.g. pilot scale electrodialysis unit, organic electrochemistry, various electrolytical cells for different purposes) or install their own.
The research collaboration contract is unique to each startup and will be defined upon one on one discussion and alignment on needs and capabilities, and the cost is determined depending on this contract. The detailed information brochure of e-Hub building can be shared when application is received.
Participants will also have access to:
- Evonik’s analytical lab (e.g., GC, NMR, Impedance Spectroscopy, Cyclo-voltametric Measurements)
- Particle technology center (size distribution, structure, SEM, EDX, XRD, RAMAN, various other standard analytics)
- Existing infrastructure, such as low-cost utility, permits, waste management systems.
Furthermore, startups will work side-by-side with Evonik’s electrochemistry scientists & engineers, who offer deep expertise in scaling up electrochemical processes. Via the experts of Evonik, startup can also be introduced to a wide network of German Universities and scientific experts.
Given the Hub's location within the Wolfgang Industrial Park, access to industrial feeds—such as flue gas or wastewater—can also be discussed depending on the technology. For startups that have successfully scaled beyond the pilot stage, we are also open to hosting demo plants outside of the e-Hub building in a separate location within Wolfgang Industrial Park.
Who Should Apply?
- Scope: Startup developing electrochemical technologies
- Evonik has deep expertise in electrodialysis, electrostatics, Li-Ion-Batteries and organic electrochemistry; startups in this field are particularly encouraged to apply.
- Commitment: Minimum of one year at facility.
- Startups can be headquartered in any country. However, Startups must be willing to maintain a physical presence (one or more people) at the Evonik Hanau site (~30km from Frankfurt) for at least one year.
- Startups must possess adequate funding to pay for the cost for the planned duration of the program. (Lease, research collaboration, and optional services such as Evonik Central Analytical Lab usage)
- Technology Maturity: TRL 3 to 8
About Evonik
Evonik is a global leader in specialty chemicals, operating in over 100 countries with approximately 32,000 employees. Our commitment extends beyond chemistry to deliver innovative, profitable, and sustainable solutions for our customers. Learn more at https://corporate.evonik.com/en.