International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre

What International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre does

International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3) is an international multi-stakeholder centre founded in 2017 and headquartered in Bonn, Germany, that promotes and develops Sustainable Chemistry solutions across the chemical and chemical-related sectors. It is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMU) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), with an explicit mandate to engage internationally and prioritize emerging economies and developing countries. The organization targets four stakeholder groups in parallel: policymakers, the private sector, academia and research institutions, and civil society and startups, and serves them through an interconnected platform of programs including the Global Start-up Service, the annual Innovation Challenge (€25,000 prize pool), the Investor Forum, the Corporate Challenge, Open Labs Brazil, the SPOTLIGHTS conference series, the Sustainable Chemistry Club webinar series, the Academic Education Programme co-developed with Leuphana University, mentoring programmes, and research tracks in Entropy, Metals, and Cheminformatics. Its innovation infrastructure is anchored by two specialized hubs: the ISC3 Innovation Hub hosted by DECHEMA e.V. in Frankfurt and the ISC3 Research & Education Hub hosted by Leuphana University in Lüneburg, with additional operational reach through GIZ offices in Bonn, Eschborn, and Brussels.

ISC3 does not generate commercial revenue from product sales; all services are provided free of charge and the operating budget is funded through German federal government appropriations administered by GIZ. The platform monetizes indirectly through policy influence, ecosystem convening, and capacity-building mandates, with global events such as the Impact Festival (4,500 visitors in 2024) and SPOTLIGHTS conferences (180 participants in 2026) functioning as core distribution and engagement channels. The go-to-market motion is community-led, event-driven, and channel-partner-based, leveraging partnerships with regional organizations including GIZ India, GIZ Colombia, SENAI Brazil, and Peru's Sociedad Nacional de Industrias (SNI) to extend reach into focus countries without scaling headcount linearly.

Name

International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre

Legal name

International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3)

Website

https://isc3.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

ISC3 is a Bonn-based international centre, implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German federal government, that fosters the transition to Sustainable Chemistry through startup support, innovation challenges, academic education, research, and policy dialogue across global multi-stakeholder networks.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sustainability Consulting and Advisory

NAICS

Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (54169), Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (541), Business Associations (813910), Environmental Consulting Services (54162)

SIC

International Affairs (9721), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Technical Committees, Working Groups & Expert Panels (BPADANAB)

Keywords

• Sustainable chemistry solutions
• Chemistry innovation programs
• Startup incubation services
• Capacity development advisory
• Sustainability policy consulting

Headquarters

HQ city

Bonn

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: ISC3 is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Funding comes from German government sources.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

ISC3 is an international multi-stakeholder centre that fosters the transition of the chemical and chemical-related sectors to Sustainable Chemistry. It operates programs including the Global Start-up Service, Innovation Challenge, Investor Forum, trainings, academic education, research, and policy dialogue aimed at policymakers, private sector, academia, civil society, and entrepreneurs.

Product overview

ISC3 (International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre) is an international multi-stakeholder organisation implemented by GIZ that fosters the transition of the chemical and chemical-related sectors to Sustainable Chemistry. It is not a single product but a platform of interconnected programmes and services. The core offering centres on the ISC3 Innovation Hub (hosted by DECHEMA e.V.), which houses the Global Start-up Service providing support for chemistry-related entrepreneurs across all innovation stages. This is complemented by the annual Innovation Challenge (€25,000 prize), the Investor Forum event series, the Corporate Challenge (industry partnership challenges), and Open Labs Brazil (R&D access sharing programme). Supporting offerings include the ISC3 Trainings (on-demand courses), the Sustainable Chemistry Club webinar series, the SPOTLIGHTS conference format, the Academic Education Programme (with Leuphana University), Mentoring Programmes, Research tracks (Entropy, Metals, Cheminformatics), Policy & Stakeholder Dialogue, Climate Action (CAPCI), Capacity Development, the Start-up of the Month showcase, Key Characteristics framework, and Strategic Alliances. Together these form a knowledge, networking, and acceleration ecosystem for Sustainable Chemistry innovation, policy, and education worldwide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ISC3 Innovation Hub: Innovation and entrepreneurship support service for sustainable chemistry, hosted by DECHEMA e.V.
• ISC3 Research & Education Hub
• Global Start-up Service
• ISC3 Innovation Challenge
• ISC3 Investor Forum
• ISC3 Corporate Challenge
• Open Labs Brazil
• Sustainable Chemistry Club
• ISC3 Sustainable Chemistry SPOTLIGHT

Products and services

• Global Start-up Service Support programme for chemistry-related start-ups targeting entrepreneurs along the entire innovation chain from ideators to advanced entrepreneurs with potential to solve urgent challenges of sustainable and inclusive development. Provides pitch training, visibility, networking, online library access, and sustainability assessment support.
• ISC3 Innovation Challenge Annual competition awarding the most promising innovative solutions in Sustainable Chemistry with a total prize pool of €25,000, including €15,000 for the overall winner and two €5,000 Special Impact awards. Each year focuses on a selected theme.
• ISC3 Investor Forum Annual event uniting founders, investors, scientists, and decision-makers to discuss financing mechanisms for the Sustainable Chemistry innovation pipeline. Features panel discussions, start-up pitching sessions, networking, speed dating, and the Innovation Challenge award ceremony.
• ISC3 Innovation Hub Innovation promotion entity hosted by DECHEMA e.V. that shapes the transformation towards sustainability across countries and value chains wherever chemicals are applied, catalyzing technological transfer from science to industry and housing the Global Start-up Service and challenge programmes.
• ISC3 Trainings On-demand trainings, self-paced online learning courses, study courses, and an online library covering Sustainable Chemistry topics, supporting knowledge dissemination on chemical sector transformation.
• Sustainable Chemistry Club Webinar series launched to raise awareness on the pivotal role of Green and Sustainable Chemistry as a contribution to UN Sustainable Development Goals, featuring expert sessions from academia, industry, and innovation across thematic editions.
• SPOTLIGHTS Conference Series Event format bringing stakeholders together to highlight selected core topics within Sustainable Chemistry, with sessions on bioeconomy, data science, and the Global Framework on Chemicals.
• ISC3 Corporate Challenge Challenge programme where ISC3 cooperates with an industry partner to find solutions for specific industry sustainability problems, such as the 2025/2026 challenge with NUVANT on developing a sustainable high-performance plasticiser for PVC emulsion plastisols.
• Open Labs Brazil Sharing-economy pilot project promoting Sustainable Chemistry solutions by granting changemakers better access to scientific infrastructure and R&D equipment in Brazil through an ideas contest run with SENAI Institutes' bioeconomy platform.
• ISC3 Academic Education Programme Globally unique academic programmes developed with Leuphana University integrating Sustainable Chemistry into higher and continuing education, combining scientific, managerial, and interdisciplinary perspectives to prepare professionals for leading chemical sector transformation.
• ISC3 Mentoring Programmes Mentoring programmes developed specifically for international Sustainable Chemistry start-ups, including the Professional Academic Advisors Programme and the Mentors & Experts Programme, providing tailored guidance for innovators.
• ISC3 Research Programme Monitoring of emerging concepts and hot topics in Sustainable Chemistry research in accordance with UN Sustainable Development Goals, covering areas including Entropy, Metals, and Cheminformatics, examining long-term consequences and possible rebound effects of proposed solutions.
• ISC3 Policy & Stakeholder Dialogue Service that raises awareness of Sustainable Chemistry among decision makers across national, regional, and international levels, contributing to global chemicals policy through the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) Implementation and building science alliances.
• Climate Action (CAPCI) Climate Action initiative including the Climate Action Best Practices Database, supporting countries and stakeholders in advancing Sustainable Chemistry contributions to climate goals.
• ISC3 Capacity Development Long-term integrated process linking learning and education embedded in national strategies, policies, and innovation systems, supporting focus and partner countries in advancing Sustainable Chemistry by strengthening individual, organisational, and systemic capacities.

Quantifiable outcome

• The chemical sector consumes 10% of the world's total energy and contributes to 8% of greenhouse gas emissions
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Global Electronics AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 February 2026Strategic partnership announced on February 18, 2026 to accelerate innovation and collaboration on circularity and sustainability challenges across the global electronics value chain. The partnership will launch with a half-day workshop titled 'Advancing Circular and Sustainable Electronics' on April 24, 2026, in Brussels.
• Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbHcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGIZ implements ISC3 on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMU) and Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Registered offices at Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 32+36, 53113 Bonn and Dag-Hammarskjöld-Weg 1-5, 65760 Eschborn.
• DECHEMA e.V.coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDECHEMA hosts the ISC3 Innovation Hub in Frankfurt. The Hub initiates and supports sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship in the chemical and chemicals-related sectors.
• Leuphana University LüneburgcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLeuphana University hosts the ISC3 Research & Education Hub and has developed globally unique academic programmes integrating Sustainable Chemistry into higher and continuing education.
• Sociedad Nacional de Industrias (SNI) - PerucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional cooperation with SNI and its Chemical Industry Committee. ISC3 participated in Expo SNI Industria 2026 in Lima as part of this partnership to strengthen collaboration on sustainable chemistry, circular economy and innovation within Peru's chemical industry.
• BioökonomieREVIERminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for EU Green Week Partner Event 'Competing for a Nature-Positive Economy' on June 18, 2026 at GIZ Brussels Office. Jointly brought together representatives from European institutions, industry, research organisations, and innovation.
• Tech QuartiercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew Impact Festival organizers partnering with ISC3 to continue pathway toward raising Sustainable Chemistry awareness. ISC3 contributed to Impact Festival 2025 with startup community booth, investor talk, and pitch sessions.
• SENAI Institutes - BrazilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Open Labs Brazil sharing-economy pilot project launched in spring 2021, promoting Sustainable Chemistry solutions by granting changemakers better access to scientific infrastructure and technical support.
• Think Beyond Plastic Innovation AcceleratorcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosted the 2nd edition of Investor Forum virtually in 2020 (first time held virtually due to pandemic) and first New Plastics Economy Investor Forum in 2018.
• German Environment Agency (UBA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizer of SPOTLIGHTS 2026 conference 'Shaping the Chemical Transition Together' from October 14-15, 2026 at UBA in Dessau-Roßlau. Bringing together 180 participants from industry, policy, academia, and civil society.
• Science and Technology Park Pune (Scitech)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on first two editions of Sustainable Chemistry Club webinar series focusing on UNEP 10 Green and Sustainable Chemistry Objectives and showcasing examples from impactful Sustainable Chemistry start-ups across India.
• Sector Moda of Colombia ProductivaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organized 4th edition of Sustainable Chemistry Club in 2025 focusing on Sustainable Chemistry and the textile sector in Colombia.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Ellen MacArthur Foundation: Global thought leader advancing circular economy principles. Comparable to ISC3 as a multi-stakeholder non-profit that convenes industry, policymakers, and academia to drive systemic sustainability transitions, though EMF operates more broadly across materials and design rather than focusing narrowly on chemistry.
• World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD): CEO-led association of over 200 sustainable businesses working on ESG transformation. Comparable to ISC3 as a multi-stakeholder convening platform addressing chemical industry sustainability, though WBCSD is membership-driven and corporate-led rather than government-backed.
• CEFIC (European Chemical Industry Council): Brussels-based trade association representing the European chemical industry on policy and sustainability. Comparable to ISC3 in addressing chemical sector transformation and engaging EU institutions, but CEFIC is industry-funded and represents incumbent producers rather than serving a public-interest convening mandate.
• International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA): Global council of chemical industry associations coordinating Responsible Care and sustainability initiatives. Comparable to ISC3 in promoting sustainable chemistry worldwide, but ICCA represents industry associations globally rather than serving as a neutral government-backed multi-stakeholder platform.

Direct peers

• CHEM Trust: UK- and EU-based charity working to prevent human harm from chemicals and promote safer alternatives. Comparable to ISC3 as a non-profit focused on sustainable chemistry transformation and policy engagement, though CHEM Trust has a narrower advocacy and harmful-chemicals mandate.
• DECHEMA (Society for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology): German non-profit society for chemical engineering and biotechnology that hosts the ISC3 Innovation Hub in Frankfurt. Comparable as a chemical-sector association promoting sustainable industrial practice, with overlapping mission on sustainable chemistry and innovation support.

Others

• UNEP Chemicals and Health Branch: United Nations Environment Programme branch managing global chemicals and waste policy including the Global Framework on Chemicals. Directly comparable as a counterpart institution advancing international chemicals governance, though UNEP is intergovernmental rather than a project-based collaborative centre.
• Carbon13 (Venture Builder): Cambridge-based venture builder specifically focused on carbon-reduction startups including sustainable chemistry. Directly comparable as a co-host of ISC3's Investor Forum and partner in the startup funnel, with shared focus on financing and scaling chemistry-related decarbonisation ventures.

Regional players

• Bio-Based Industries Consortium (BIC): European non-profit partnership driving the bio-based and circular economy transition across sectors. Comparable to ISC3 in advancing bioeconomy and sustainable industrial transformation through multi-stakeholder collaboration, with thematic overlap on circular and bio-based chemistry.

Emerging players

• Forum for Sustainability through Life Cycle Innovation (FSLCI): Global multi-stakeholder partnership promoting life cycle thinking in sustainability. Comparable to ISC3 as a UN-hosted network advancing sustainable consumption and production, with overlap in chemicals and materials sustainability assessment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/isc3centre
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCIHnDSggx85ovliH2wcHe1g
• Facebookfacebook.com/isc3centre
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/international-sustainable-chemistry-collaborative-centre-isc3

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments1 record

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Frequently asked questions about International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre