Deadline: 24-May-2026
The ISC3 Innovation Challenge 2026 invites start-ups worldwide to present innovative solutions in Sustainable Chemistry and Electronics, competing for a total prize of €25,000.
The challenge focuses on innovation in design and performance, including eco-design principles, design for disassembly, reducing material intensity, and developing sustainable solders, recyclable encapsulants, and safer solvent systems. It also emphasizes resource-efficient use or substitution of critical raw materials and toxic metals through alternative technologies, recycled or non-toxic feedstocks, and sustainable manufacturing approaches such as low-energy fabrication, green solvents, scalable chemical routes, and biodegradable electronic components. Social issues like child labor and unsafe working conditions are addressed.
End-of-life and circularity innovations are encouraged, including chemical or mechanical recycling, recovery of metals like Li, Co, and Au, use of recyclable or biodegradable materials, and closed-loop systems to prevent material dissipation. Alternative and emerging materials include organic and polymer electronics, 2D materials, MOFs, COFs, self-healing or stimuli-responsive materials, and sustainable alternatives to fossil-based plastics. Novel devices in energy storage, conversion, organic electronics, photonics, and optoelectronics are also sought.
Selected finalists receive customized support from the ISC3 Global Start-up Service, including pitch training, and the opportunity to be featured as Start-up of the Month. Winners include two Special Impact Awards for notable environmental or societal impact and the overall Innovation Challenge winner, with all awards presented at the final pitch event during the ISC3 Investor Forum at the Impact Festival.
For more information, visit ISC3.
