ISC3 Innovation Challenge 2026

The International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3) is now accepting applications for its Innovation Challenge 2026. This initiative aims to engage, award, and promote sustainable chemistry innovators from around the world.

📖 About ISC3 Innovation Challenge

Chemistry plays a pivotal role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by developing new sustainable materials, products, processes, and business models. To accelerate the search for solutions, ISC3 has launched the Innovation Challenge to support innovators in sustainable chemistry globally.

🎁 Benefits of ISC3 Innovation Challenge

Participants in the ISC3 Innovation Challenge will receive the following benefits:

• Tailored Support: Access to Global Start-up Service Customized Support.
• Visibility: Promotion of your innovation via ISC3 communication channels.
• Networking: Participation in a key matchmaking event with industry in 2026.
• Training: Individual and group pitch training for preparation of your matchmaking event 2026 pitch.
• Cash Prizes:
  • The overall Innovation Challenge Winner will receive a cash prize of 15,000 EUR.
  • Two separate categories, “Special Impact,” are endowed with cash prizes amounting to 5,000 EUR each.

✅ ISC3 Innovation Challenge Requirements

To be eligible for the ISC3 Innovation Challenge, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Who can apply:
  • Innovators and entrepreneurs owning or representing the proposed innovation.
  • Individuals employed by organizations such as research institutes, start-ups, small-medium sized enterprises, or comparable institutions active in sustainable chemistry solutions.
• Enterprise eligibility:
  • Enterprises must have a staff headcount not exceeding 50 (full-time equivalent) and an annual turnover of max. 10 million EUR.
  • Enterprises majority-owned by large enterprises are not eligible unless the innovation leads to the creation of independent spin-offs.
• Special consideration:
  • Proposals from innovators and entrepreneurs in developing countries and tackling challenges in developing countries are highly encouraged.
  • Female entrepreneurs are specifically encouraged to submit proposals.

📋 Assessment Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Innovation Level: Is the innovation unique, distinct, and truly original?
2. Business Viability: What is the market potential of the innovation? Is the idea commercially feasible?
3. Sustainability: What is the sustainability impact of the innovation?

📅 Application Date and Process

• Application Deadline: 04 May, 2026
• To apply, visit the ISC3 Innovation Challenge Application Portal.
• Submit your application via Evalato.

For more information, visit the ISC3 Innovation Challenge website.

• Tailored support: access to Global Start-up Service Customised Support
• Visibility: promotion of your innovation via ISC3 communication channels
• Networking: participation in a key matchmaking event with industry in 2026
• Training: individual and group pitch training for preparation of your matchmaking event 2026 pitch
• Cash prizes: the overall Innovation Challenge Winner will receive a cash prize of 15,000 EUR. Two separate categories “Special Impact” are endowed with cash prizes amounting to 5,000 EUR each.