Disruptive innovation for Europe’s chemical comeback

​Teaser
Europe’s chemical industry faces a severe competitiveness crisis driven by high energy costs, Chinese overcapacity, a US shale resurgence, and low-cost Middle Eastern production. A new model—renewable electricity and alternative carbon feedstocks like waste, CO₂, and biomass—is emerging, but scale-up, cost, and slow adoption remain hurdles. The key question: can disruptive innovation, faster execution, new financing, and stronger ecosystems revive the industry before decline becomes irreversible?

Why is this topic relevant?
Europe’s chemical industry is already losing competitiveness, with plant closures, stalled investments, and production shifting abroad. As a backbone of nearly all industrial value chains, its decline risks deindustrialisation and strategic dependence on foreign supply. Yet the shift to renewable energy and circular carbon also creates a major reinvestment opportunity. The key challenge is identifying the technologies, business models, and partnerships that can restore Europe’s cost competitiveness and long-term resilience.

The session will take place on the ENERGIA Planet at VENTURE SPRIND 2026, held at Futurium in Berlin. You will need a VENTURE SPRIND ticket to enter the venue and attend the session.
If you don’t have one yet but are an active investor, just drop us a line at [email protected] - there’s a good chance we can sort you out with a ticket. Availability is limited.