What Polymat does

Polymat (legally BASQUE CENTER FOR MACROMOLECULAR DESIGN AND ENGINEERING POLYMAT FUNDAZIOA) is a Basque research foundation headquartered in Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain, specializing in polymer science and macromolecular engineering. The organization was co-promoted by the University of the Basque Country, the Ikerbasque Foundation, and the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, and operates across six strategic research areas: Polymers and Energy (batteries, fuel cells, photovoltaic devices), Polymers and Sustainability (circular economy, chemical recycling, biopolymers), Polymer Physics and Advanced Manufacturing (crystallization, 3D printing, multiphase systems), Molecular and Supramolecular Materials (pi-conjugated systems, nanographenes, graphene nanoribbons), Polymers for Health (biomaterials, drug delivery, bioelectronics), and Polymerization Engineering and Simulation (emulsion polymerization, process control, machine learning). The center employs more than 200 researchers from 36 countries and has produced 60+ doctoral theses since 2014.

The business model rests on four revenue streams: (1) collaborative R&D projects with industrial partners delivered under bilateral agreements or consortia such as the Industrial Liaison Program, which anchors 15+ major chemical and coatings companies including BASF, Covestro, Wacker, Akzo Nobel, and Sherwin-Williams; (2) specialized technological services spanning composition analysis, molecular weight distribution, thermal, mechanical, rheological, and physicochemical characterization, plus polymerization reactor services delivered to 100+ companies from SMEs to multinationals; (3) patent licensing of a portfolio of patent-pending technologies in pressure-sensitive adhesives, low-temperature PET depolymerization, and recyclable polycarbonate foams; and (4) equity/return participation through four active spin-offs (Polimerbio in biodegradable medical devices, Surphase in membrane fouling sensors, Polykey in biobased polymers and chemical recycling, Hevea 3D in elastomeric 3D printing). The center holds the European Commission's HR Excellence in Research seal since 2017 and participates in 60+ European research projects, securing access to EU framework programme and ERC funding. Technology transfer is realized through collaborative projects, patents, and spin-offs, with direct B2B sales motion and global reach across chemicals, coatings, healthcare, automotive, agriculture, consumer goods, construction, and food industries.

Name

Polymat

Legal name

BASQUE CENTER FOR MACROMOLECULAR DESIGN AND ENGINEERING POLYMAT FUNDAZIOA

Website

https://polymat.eu

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Polymat is a Basque research foundation based in Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain, employing 200+ researchers from 36 countries to deliver collaborative polymer R&D, specialized analytical services, patent licensing, and spin-offs to industrial customers across chemicals, coatings, healthcare, and energy sectors globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Polymer Science Research Services

NAICS

Plastics Material and Resin Manufacturing (325211), Resin, Synthetic Rubber, and Artificial and Synthetic Fibers and Filaments Manufacturing (3252), Urethane and Other Foam Product (except Polystyrene) Manufacturing (32615)

SIC

Plastic Materials, Synth Resins & Nonvulcan Elastomers (2821)

akta.pro primary industry

Bioplastics & Sustainable Plastics (Bio-based/Compostable Polymers) (IMANAOAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Recycled & Reprocessed Polymer Resin Manufacturing (rPET, rPP, rPE; PCR/PIR resins) (IMANAAAH), Plastic Resin & Polymer Manufacturing (IMANAOAA)

Keywords

• Polymer research services
• Macromolecular engineering
• Industrial R&D collaboration
• Polymer characterization services
• Chemical recycling technologies

Headquarters

HQ city

Donostia-san Sebastián

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Collaborative R&D Projects: Bilateral research projects with industrial partners to develop new materials and processes. Joint projects defined based on company needs with clear objectives and effective knowledge transfer.
2. Technological Services: Specialized analytical and testing services including composition analysis, molecular weight distribution, thermal characterization, mechanical testing, rheological characterization, and polymerization reactor services.
3. Patent Licensing: Licensing of patented polymer technologies to industrial partners. Portfolio includes removable pressure sensitive adhesives, degradable adhesives, biobased polymers, and advanced composites.
4. Spin-off Equity/Returns: Commercialization of research through company spin-offs including Polimerbio (biodegradable medical devices), Surphase (membrane monitoring sensors), Polykey (biobased polymers), and Hevea 3D (3D printing).

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

POLYMAT is a nonprofit polymer science research foundation that delivers collaborative R&D projects, specialized analytical and testing services, patent licensing, and spin-off commercialization to industrial companies. It works with chemical, coatings, automotive, healthcare, agriculture, and consumer goods firms on developing new polymeric materials and processes across six research areas: polymers for energy, sustainability, health, advanced manufacturing, molecular/supramolecular materials, and polymerization engineering.

Product overview

POLYMAT is a polymer science research center that offers technological services to industry and has produced several spin-off companies. The core offering consists of research and development across six strategic areas: Polymers and Energy, Polymers and Sustainability, Polymer Physics and Advanced Manufacturing, Molecular and Supramolecular Materials, Polymers for Health, and Polymerization Engineering and Simulation. The center provides technological services including composition analysis, thermal characterization, mechanical testing, rheological characterization, and polymerization reactor services. POLYMAT has transferred technology to market through four spin-offs: Polimerbio (biodegradable medical devices), Surphase (membrane fouling sensors), Polykey (biobased polymers and recycling technologies), and Hevea 3D (3D printing of elastomeric materials). The center also offers licensing opportunities for patented technologies including pressure sensitive adhesives and PET depolymerization.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Polimerbio: Biotechnology company dedicated to the development of biodegradable medical devices based on biomaterials
• Surphase
• Polykey
• Hevea 3D

Products and services

• Composition Analysis Service Identification and analysis of the different components of polymeric materials, including polymers, fillers, plasticizers and other additives in simple or complex samples; offered to industrial clients requiring material characterization.
• Molecular Weight Distribution and Residual Monomer Analysis Characterization of molecular weight distribution and quantification of residual monomer for quality control and optimization of polymeric materials; aimed at R&D and quality teams in chemical and materials companies.
• Thermal Characterization Service Evaluation of the thermal behavior of polymeric materials for the study of stability, transitions and processes associated with temperature; targeted at industrial clients needing polymer thermal profiling.
• Mechanical Characterization Tests Tests aimed at evaluating the mechanical properties of polymeric materials based on their final application; offered to industrial partners developing polymer products.
• Rheological Characterization Service Study of the rheological behavior of polymeric materials to evaluate their processability and flow behavior; for industrial clients optimizing polymer manufacturing.
• Colloid Characterization Service Characterization of colloidal systems and dispersions for the analysis of stability, particle size and interactions; targeted at industrial emulsion and dispersion polymer work.
• Polymerization Reactors Service Services associated with the use of polymerization reactors for the development, adjustment and validation of polymer processes; for industrial clients developing polymerization processes.
• Thermoplastic Processing Service Processing services focused on the development and optimization of thermoplastic materials and their industrial applications; offered to industrial clients in plastics and manufacturing sectors.
• Custom Technology Services Tailor-made technology services adapted to the specific needs of each company or project; offered to industrial partners requiring bespoke polymer analysis or processing support.
• Removable Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (Licensing) Patent-pending technology for pressure-sensitive adhesives that can be cleanly removed without residue; offered for licensing to industrial partners in the adhesives, packaging, and consumer goods sectors.
• Low-temperature Depolymerization of PET (Licensing) Patent-pending process for depolymerizing PET at low temperatures for chemical recycling; offered for licensing to industrial partners in plastics recycling and circular economy sectors.
• Degradable Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (Licensing) Patent-pending pressure-sensitive adhesives designed to degrade under specific conditions; offered for licensing to industrial partners in adhesives and packaging sectors.
• Biobased and Removable Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (Licensing) Patent-pending pressure-sensitive adhesives derived from biobased sources that are also removable; offered for licensing to industrial partners seeking sustainable adhesive solutions.
• Self-blowing Recyclable Polycarbonate Foams / Advanced Composites (Licensing) Patent-pending self-blowing recyclable polycarbonate foam technology for advanced composite applications; offered for licensing to industrial partners in composites and advanced materials sectors.
• Collaborative R&D Projects (Industrial Liaison Program) Bilateral and consortium research projects with industrial partners to develop new polymer materials and processes, structured with confidentiality agreements and joint objectives; targets chemical, coatings, automotive, healthcare, agriculture, and consumer goods companies (e.g., BASF, Covestro, Wacker, Akzo Nobel, Allnex, Stahl, Toyota, Syngenta, Beiersdorf).

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 200 researchers from 36 countries
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers24 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and strategic.

• PolimerbiocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiotechnology spin-off from POLYMAT developing biodegradable medical devices based on biomaterials. Their technology enables manufacture of medical devices that are bioabsorbed in the body, reducing interventions and clinical waste.
• SurphasecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpin-off specializing in sensors to monitor membrane fouling in real time and non-invasively. Technology helps optimize desalination processes and reduce use of harsh chemicals.
• PolykeycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpin-off developing polymers derived from renewable resources and chemical recycling technologies for plastics. Offers solutions to integrate sustainable materials into industry for circular economy.
• Hevea 3DcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpin-off focused on advanced 3D printing of flexible and durable elastomeric materials. Offers functional prototyping and mass production solutions combining materials science and digital manufacturing.
• University of the Basque Country (EHU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCore institutional partner that promoted POLYMAT and maintains academic collaboration including double international master's degree programs.
• Ikerbasque FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBasque Foundation for Science that co-promoted POLYMAT and supports researcher recruitment and development.
• Provincial Council of GipuzkoacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional government entity that co-promoted POLYMAT and supports institutional operations.
• Industrial Liaison Program (ILP) PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSelect group including Akzo Nobel, Allnex, Arkema, Asian Paints, BASF, Covestro, Elix, Inovyn, Stahl, Synthomer, Vinavil, Wacker, TESA, Sherwin-Williams, Organik Kimya, and Iqlit. These companies actively participate in strategic projects and contribute to development of advanced materials with global impact.
• International Scientific CouncilstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvisory board bringing together world-renowned researchers including Prof. Ulrich Schubert (Friedrich Schiller University Jena), Prof. Marc Hillmyer (University of Minnesota), Prof. Eva Malmström (KTH Royal Institute of Technology), and Prof. Sebastian Lecommandeux (LCPO Bordeaux) who advise on scientific strategy.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Dutch Polymer Institute (DPI): Public-private polymer research partnership structure with industry members including BASF, Covestro, and other POLYMAT customers. Closely mirrors POLYMAT's Industrial Liaison Program economics and member-funded collaborative model.
• Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research (IAP): German applied-research institute operating across sustainable polymers, functional polymer systems, and bio-based materials with a similar public-mission, B2B technology-transfer model. Directly comparable as a publicly funded polymer R&D center serving industrial clients.
• Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research: Germany-based fundamental research center focused on synthesis, physics, and applications of polymers and macromolecular materials. Highly comparable research mission and institutional funding profile to POLYMAT's core polymer science mandate.
• Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology): Swiss federal research institute with polymer and materials science programs and an active technology-transfer office and spin-off pipeline. Comparable as a publicly-funded materials R&D center commercializing research.
• DWI Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials: Aachen-based Leibniz institute working on interactive polymer and biohybrid materials. Shares POLYMAT's combination of fundamental research with translational collaboration and materials focus on sustainability and health.

Emerging players

• KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology): Middle East-based research university with a strong polymer science and materials capability and an active technology-transfer and spin-out function. Comparable as a translational polymer research hub backed by sovereign funding.

Others

• IKERBASQUE - Basque Foundation for Science: Co-promoter of POLYMAT and a Basque government foundation funding and recruiting researchers across disciplines. Relevant as both an ecosystem partner and a comparable institutional research-foundation operating model in the same region.

Regional players

• CSIC - Spanish National Research Council: Spain's largest public research institution with polymer and macromolecular chemistry groups. Same nationality and broadly comparable public-institute R&D footprint, with overlapping polymer science competencies.
• CIBER (Biomedical Research Networking Center) - Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine area: Spanish public research consortium covering biomaterials and nanomedicine. Overlaps with POLYMAT's 'Polymers for Health' strategic area and shares Spanish public-founding characteristics.
• Acondicionamiento Tarrasense (LEITAT): Spanish private non-profit applied-research center offering contract R&D, testing services and spin-off creation across materials and sustainability. Directly comparable as a Southern European applied-research counterpart.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@polymatberc6960
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/polymatfundazioa
• Instagraminstagram.com/polymatfundazioa
• Xx.com/polymat_berc
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Polymat