Evonik Launches Innovation Factory to Speed Up R&D to Market
Essen, Germany – Evonik Industries has launched an “innovation factory” designed to accelerate the commercialization of its research and development projects, aiming to reduce the time from laboratory to industrial application to an average of five years. The new unit replaces Evonik’s former strategic innovation arm, Creavis, and will function as an “entrepreneurial development unit,” according to a company statement released March 24.
The shift reflects a broader effort by the German specialty chemicals company to streamline its innovation process and focus on market-driven solutions, explained Chief Innovation Officer Christian Eilbracht. “We are aligning our innovation system to significantly shorten the time from development to market launch,” he said.
The innovation factory will concentrate on areas where Evonik already possesses established expertise and anticipates growing demand, including biopolymers, biosurfactants, and membrane technologies. A key focus will be on rhamnolipids, described by the company as environmentally friendly biosurfactants currently utilized in cosmetics and cleaning products, with ongoing research exploring further applications. Evonik is also developing biopolymers intended as replacements for fossil-based materials and anion exchange membranes (AEM) expected to be crucial in the emerging green hydrogen economy.
According to head of the unit, Axel Kobus, the innovation factory will operate under the principle of “building what’s next,” combining internal resources with external collaborations with academic institutions, startups, and industry partners. This collaborative approach is intended to yield “technically and commercially more resilient solutions” that address identified market needs.
The new unit is integrated into Evonik’s global research and development network, connecting with facilities in Boston, Singapore, and Shanghai. This network aims to provide access to new technologies, talent, and partnerships within key innovation hubs, as reported by the European Rubber Journal.
Evonik also recently opened a satellite innovation facility in Cambridge, Massachusetts, through its Creavis subsidiary, according to a report by Investment Monitor. This expansion suggests a continued commitment to fostering innovation outside of its German headquarters.
The company unveiled an innovative “Debonding on Demand” concept for more sustainable bonding, as reported by Hydrocarbon Processing, indicating a broader focus on sustainability within its research efforts. This concept, alongside the innovation factory’s focus on biopolymers and biosurfactants, suggests a strategic move towards environmentally conscious chemical solutions.