EVONIK OPERATIONS GMBH

Their core work

Evonik is one of Germany's largest specialty chemicals companies, contributing advanced materials, coatings, catalysts, and enzyme technologies to European research consortia. Their H2020 portfolio spans nanoparticle production, membrane reactor optimization, bio-based polymers, and graphene applications — reflecting their industrial role as a supplier of high-performance chemical intermediates and functional materials. They bring pilot-scale manufacturing capability and deep process chemistry expertise, bridging the gap between laboratory research and industrial production across multiple value chains.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early H2020 period (2015–2018), Evonik focused heavily on enzyme engineering, biosurfactant fermentation, and membrane reactor optimization — classic process chemistry strengths rooted in their specialty chemicals business. From 2019 onward, the portfolio shifted markedly toward graphene and 2D materials (three Flagship projects), green hydrogen technologies, nanoparticle manufacturing, and bio-based alternatives to plastics. This evolution shows a company pivoting from traditional chemical process optimization toward sustainability-driven materials science and clean energy applications.

Evonik is increasingly investing in hydrogen value chains, graphene-based materials, and circular bio-based chemistry — expect them to seek partnerships in green hydrogen catalysis and sustainable material substitution.

How they like to work

Evonik operates almost exclusively as a consortium participant (27 of 28 roles), joining large multi-partner projects rather than leading them — they coordinated only ROMEO. With 493 unique partners across 28 countries, they function as a widely connected industrial node that many academic and research partners want on board for scale-up credibility and materials expertise. Their value proposition in consortia is clear: they provide industrial validation, pilot-scale testing, and real-world application knowledge that strengthens funding proposals.

Exceptionally broad network of 493 unique consortium partners spanning 28 countries, reflecting deep integration into the European research ecosystem. Their connections are spread across research institutions, SMEs, and other industrial players with no single geographic concentration beyond a natural European core.

What sets them apart

Evonik brings something few partners can: the combination of a major chemical company's manufacturing infrastructure with genuine research engagement across multiple frontier topics — from graphene to enzyme discovery to hydrogen catalysis. Unlike academic partners, they can validate technologies at pilot and production scale. Unlike smaller industrial partners, they have the breadth to contribute meaningfully across materials, biotechnology, and energy projects simultaneously, making them a versatile and credible consortium member for any scale-up-oriented proposal.

Highlights from their portfolio

• MACBETH
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 1.76M) — catalytic membrane reactors for process intensification, representing Evonik's core membrane technology strength at significant scale.
• ROMEO
  Evonik's only coordinator role in H2020, plus a separate participant entry totaling over EUR 2.1M combined — their flagship membrane reactor optimization project.
• FuturEnzyme
  Combines machine learning with enzyme discovery for greener detergents and bio-processed cosmetics — showcases Evonik's shift toward AI-driven sustainable biotechnology.