The chemical industry in Germany wants to create better framework conditions for the foundation and development of young companies. Six organizations have joined forces to form the Forum Startup Chemistry (FSC). The initiative is supported by the Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker (GDCh; German Chemical Society), the DECHEMA e.V. (expert network for chemical engineering and biotechnology in Germany), the VCI (German chemical industry association), the Bundesverband Deutsche Startups, the Business Angels Network Germany, and the High-Tech Gründerfonds.

The executives of the FSC are convinced that a larger number of successful start-up companies is an important building block for expanding the innovation capability of the industry and maintaining the competitiveness of Germany as a chemical location. Young companies are predestined to respond to scientific findings in a timely manner and to work with great efficiency to quickly bring them to the market.

In addition, more support is needed from politics. Growth finance instruments, such as the creation of venture capital funds, should not be targeted solely at digital issues, but should also meet the needs of start-ups developing new materials or active ingredients, according to the FSC.

• Forum Startup Chemie
• Verband der Chemischen Industrie e. V. (VCI; German chemical industry association), Frankfurt, Germany