POLYMEM

Their core work

POLYMEM is a French SME specializing in membrane technology — from polymer-based hollow fiber membranes to advanced mixed matrix and palladium membranes for gas separation and CO2 capture. They manufacture and develop membrane products for industrial applications including carbon capture, water treatment, and energy recovery. Their work spans the full chain from advanced materials (graphene composites, bio-based copolymers, metal-organic frameworks) to pilot-scale manufacturing of membrane systems.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2016-2018), POLYMEM focused heavily on graphene-based materials and traditional membrane chemistry — palladium membranes, metal-organic frameworks, and mixed matrix membranes for CO2 capture. From 2020 onward, their work diversified significantly: they moved into bio-based membrane materials, water economy applications, and manufacturing scale-up through pilot lines. The shift signals a company transitioning from pure materials R&D toward industrial manufacturing readiness and environmental applications.

POLYMEM is moving from advanced materials research toward scalable, sustainable membrane products for environmental and industrial applications — expect them to focus on green manufacturing and water/climate solutions.

How they like to work

POLYMEM operates exclusively as a specialist participant — they have never coordinated an H2020 project, instead contributing membrane expertise to large, well-funded consortia. With 324 unique partners across 25 countries, they are deeply embedded in Europe's research network, particularly through the massive Graphene Flagship community. This makes them a reliable, low-risk partner who brings specific technical capability without competing for leadership roles.

POLYMEM has collaborated with 324 unique partners across 25 countries, largely built through their long involvement in the Graphene Flagship (one of Europe's largest research initiatives). Their network is exceptionally broad for an SME, giving them connections across materials science, energy, environment, and manufacturing sectors.

What sets them apart

POLYMEM sits at a rare intersection: they are an SME that both develops advanced membrane materials and participates in industrial-scale pilot line projects. Their sustained role in the Graphene Flagship (4 projects, 2016-2024) gives them deep expertise in integrating 2D materials into membrane products — a capability few small companies can claim. For consortium builders, they offer a proven industrial partner who can take lab-stage membrane concepts toward manufactured products.

Highlights from their portfolio

• GrapheneCore3
  Their largest single grant (EUR 750,000) and third consecutive Graphene Flagship project, demonstrating long-term trust from Europe's biggest research initiative.
• MEMBER
  Their most technically ambitious project — developing palladium membranes and metal-organic framework mixed matrix membranes for industrial CO2 capture, with EUR 428K funding.
• REWAISE
  Marks their strategic expansion into water technology and climate resilience, applying membrane expertise to a completely new application domain.