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Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology

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Namestring
Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology
Legal namestring
Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Wissenschaften e.V.
Websiteurl
ice.mpg.de
Company typeenum
Private
Founded yearint
2000
Descriptiontext

The Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology (MPI-CE), founded in 2000 in Jena, Germany, is a publicly funded non-profit research institute within the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Wissenschaften e.V. (Max Planck Society). It investigates how organisms interact with chemical signals, focusing on chemical communication between plants, animals, microbes, and insects at molecular, physiological, and ecological levels across laboratory, glasshouse, and field environments.

The institute's research is organized around four core scientific departments (Biochemistry under Jonathan Gershenzon, Evolutionary Neuroethology, Insect Symbiosis under Martin Kaltenpoth, and Natural Product Biosynthesis under Sarah O'Connor) plus six independent research groups spanning Social Behavior, Evolutionary and Integrative Physiology, Signaling Dynamics, Olfactory Coding, Plant Defense Physiology, and Entomology. Core technology infrastructure includes Mass Spectrometry, NMR Spectroscopy, Statistics, and Microscopic Imaging scientific services that support internal and external research. The institute also operates the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) 'Chemical Communication in Ecological Systems' jointly with Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, admitting up to five doctoral researchers per year through a competitive worldwide call.

MPI-CE does not generate commercial revenue. Its operating model is funded through government research grants and the Max Planck Society budget, with no disclosed pricing model or paying customers. Outputs are distributed via peer-reviewed scientific publications, the PULS/CE newsletter, press releases, podcasts, events and seminars, and an active school outreach program. Strategic partnerships include the Max Planck Society (parent), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, the Max Planck Center for Next Generation Insect Chemistry (nGICE), Beutenberg Campus, and the Max Planck Alumni Association.

Short descriptiontext

The Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology is a publicly funded research institute in Jena, Germany that investigates chemical communication between organisms, operating four scientific departments, six research groups, a joint PhD program, and centralized analytical services, funded by the Max Planck Society and government grants.

Operating statusenum
Operating
Ownership categoryenum
Headcount rangeband
5,001–10,000
akta.pro rankint
HeadquartersMunich, Germany
HQ citystring
Munich
HQ countrystring
Germany
HQ regionstring
Europe
Markets served

Serves global market

Offices2 records

Each record includes

City, Country, Type, Description, Source

Keyword5 values
chemical ecology research, natural product biosynthesis, analytical chemistry services, insect symbiosis studies, doctoral research training
Industry2 codes
1Biological Formulation, Fermentation & Scale-Up Manufacturing
CodeAFABAEAMPrimaryNo
2Biological Pest Control (Beneficial Insects, Nematodes, Microbials)
CodeAFABAKABPrimaryNo
NAICS code1 code
  • Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)541714
SIC code1 code
  • Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research8731
Product category
Scientific Research Services
Marketing channels9 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Stage, Description, Source

Distribution channels3 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Scope, Target buyer, Description, Source

Cost components4 values
Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations
GTM typeB2B
B2B
Offering typeServices
Services
Brand1 of 2 records shown
1IMPRS - International Max Planck Research School
Description

International Max Planck Research School 'Chemical Communication in Ecological Systems' - jointly organized by MPI-CE and Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, offering a 3-year structured PhD program

ice.mpg.de
+1 more record
Core offering1 text field

The Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology conducts fundamental research on chemical communication between organisms and their environment, investigating plant-insect-microbe interactions at molecular, physiological, and ecological levels. It operates four scientific departments (Biochemistry, Evolutionary Neuroethology, Insect Symbiosis, Natural Product Biosynthesis), six independent research groups, and the IMPRS PhD program jointly with Friedrich Schiller University Jena. The institute also provides scientific services in mass spectrometry, NMR, statistics, and microscopy to support collaborative research.

Differentiator
Functional benefit
Problem solved
Quantifiable outcome1 of 3 values shown
  • Matilde Florean awarded Otto Hahn Medal for work on plant natural product evolution
+2 more records
Product overview1 text field

Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology is a research institution organized around four main scientific departments (Biochemistry, Evolutionary Neuroethology, Insect Symbiosis, and Natural Product Biosynthesis), six independent research groups, and a doctoral training program (IMPRS). The institute conducts research on chemical communication between organisms and their environment, investigating plant-insect-microbe interactions at molecular, physiological, and ecological levels. Research spans laboratory studies (biochemistry, molecular biology, imaging) and field studies (glasshouse and natural environments). The institute offers scientific services in mass spectrometry, NMR, statistics, and microscopy to support internal and collaborative research. Educational offerings include the IMPRS PhD program jointly organized with Friedrich Schiller University Jena, accepting up to five doctoral researchers annually through a competitive process. Communication products include the PULS/CE newsletter and science podcasts for public outreach.

Product and service1 record
1International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Chemical Communication in Ecological Systems
Scale indicator3 records

Each record includes

Type, Value, Description, Source

Partnership7 partners
Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Jointly organizes the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) 'Chemical Communication in Ecological Systems'. The IMPRS is co-directed by Prof. Dr. Sarah E. O'Connor from MPI-CE and Prof. Dr. Holger Schielzeth from FSU. Doctoral degrees are granted by Friedrich Schiller University. FSU represents the institute on the IMPRS board alongside MPI-CE.

Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

The institute is part of the Max Planck Society (MPG), one of Germany's most prestigious research organizations. MPG provides institutional support, funding, and administrative services including IT infrastructure, data protection, and legal services. The society is legally represented by President Prof. Dr. Patrick Cramer and Secretary General Dr. Simone Schwanitz.

3Max Planck Alumni Association
Strategic tierMinorTypeGTM or Marketing Partner
Description

A non-profit organization developing and sustaining a worldwide community of alumni of the Max Planck Society. MPI-CE alumni are encouraged to join MPAA for networking and professional connections.

ice.mpg.de
4Beutenberg Campus e.V.
Strategic tierModerateTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Collaborative network of research institutions on the Beutenberg Campus in Jena, Germany. Provides shared information materials and coordinates campus-wide activities including the Forsche-Schüler-Tag outreach event.

ice.mpg.de
5JenaVersum
Strategic tierModerateTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Regional network supporting science communication and public engagement activities in Jena. Collaborates with MPI-CE on outreach initiatives.

ice.mpg.de
6Max Planck Center - nGICE
Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

The Max Planck Center for Next Generation Insect Chemistry (nGICE) represents a strategic collaboration focused on advancing research in insect chemistry, building on the institute's core expertise in chemical ecology.

ice.mpg.de
7Abbe-Zentrum Beutenberg
Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Partners with MPI-CE for hosting the closing session of the Girls' and Boys' Day / Forsche-Schüler-Tag event, providing facilities for the concluding lecture and certificate distribution.

ice.mpg.de
Recent move6 records

Each record includes

Date, Type, Title, Description, Source

Expansion highlight5 records

Each record includes

Type, Description

Peers1 record
TypeDirect peer
Description

Another Max Planck research institute focused on molecular biology, evolutionary biology, and biochemist

Market position
Strengths5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Weaknesses5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Competitive moat4 records

Each record includes

Type, Details

Key risks5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Key highlights7 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Customer concentration

Classification, Details

Segment3 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Primary, Description, Pain point addressed, Use case, Source

Ideal customer profile2 records

Each record includes

Profile, Firmographic size, Sales motion, Sales cycle length, Buying structure, Purchase trigger, Buyer persona, Geography, Industry vertical, Primary use case, Description, Pain points, Evidence proof points, Target buyer

Technology focused
Yes
API detail
Has APIbool
No

Docs URL, Description

Integration6 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Description, Source

AI maturity
App detail

Has app

Feature4 records

Each record includes

Title, Differentiator, Description, Source

Core technology
Revenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Number of profiles
Profiles13 records

Each record includes

Name, Designation, Designation category, Overview, Profile commentary, Source

No data
Compliance1 record

Each record includes

Name, Class, Description

Funding overview

Funding stage, Last funding date, Total funding USD

Funding rounds

Each record includes

Round, Amount USD, Date, Pre money valuation, Total investors, Investors, News

Investors

Each record includes

Name, Type, Date of entry, Rounds participated, Website

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

M&A

Each record includes

Name, Acquisition type, Announced date, Completed date, Status, Website, News

Investment

Each record includes

Name, Round, Announced date, Lead investor, Website, News

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

Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology

Scientific Research Servicesice.mpg.de

The Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology is a publicly funded research institute in Jena, Germany that investigates chemical communication between organisms, operating four scientific departments, six research groups, a joint PhD program, and centralized analytical services, funded by the Max Planck Society and government grants.

What Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology does

The Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology (MPI-CE), founded in 2000 in Jena, Germany, is a publicly funded non-profit research institute within the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Wissenschaften e.V. (Max Planck Society). It investigates how organisms interact with chemical signals, focusing on chemical communication between plants, animals, microbes, and insects at molecular, physiological, and ecological levels across laboratory, glasshouse, and field environments.

The institute's research is organized around four core scientific departments (Biochemistry under Jonathan Gershenzon, Evolutionary Neuroethology, Insect Symbiosis under Martin Kaltenpoth, and Natural Product Biosynthesis under Sarah O'Connor) plus six independent research groups spanning Social Behavior, Evolutionary and Integrative Physiology, Signaling Dynamics, Olfactory Coding, Plant Defense Physiology, and Entomology. Core technology infrastructure includes Mass Spectrometry, NMR Spectroscopy, Statistics, and Microscopic Imaging scientific services that support internal and external research. The institute also operates the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) 'Chemical Communication in Ecological Systems' jointly with Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, admitting up to five doctoral researchers per year through a competitive worldwide call.

MPI-CE does not generate commercial revenue. Its operating model is funded through government research grants and the Max Planck Society budget, with no disclosed pricing model or paying customers. Outputs are distributed via peer-reviewed scientific publications, the PULS/CE newsletter, press releases, podcasts, events and seminars, and an active school outreach program. Strategic partnerships include the Max Planck Society (parent), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, the Max Planck Center for Next Generation Insect Chemistry (nGICE), Beutenberg Campus, and the Max Planck Alumni Association.

Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology firmographics

Firmographics
Name
Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology
Legal name
Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Wissenschaften e.V.
Website
https://ice.mpg.de
Company type
Private
Founded year
2000
Operating status
Operating
Headcount range
5,001–10,000 employees
Short description
The Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology is a publicly funded research institute in Jena, Germany that investigates chemical communication between organisms, operating four scientific departments, six research groups, a joint PhD program, and centralized analytical services, funded by the Max Planck Society and government grants.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

Where Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city
Munich
HQ country
Germany
HQ region
Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology business model

Business model
GTM type
B2B
Offering type
Services
Cost components
Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology product offering

Product offering

Core offering

The Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology conducts fundamental research on chemical communication between organisms and their environment, investigating plant-insect-microbe interactions at molecular, physiological, and ecological levels. It operates four scientific departments (Biochemistry, Evolutionary Neuroethology, Insect Symbiosis, Natural Product Biosynthesis), six independent research groups, and the IMPRS PhD program jointly with Friedrich Schiller University Jena. The institute also provides scientific services in mass spectrometry, NMR, statistics, and microscopy to support collaborative research.

Product overview

Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology is a research institution organized around four main scientific departments (Biochemistry, Evolutionary Neuroethology, Insect Symbiosis, and Natural Product Biosynthesis), six independent research groups, and a doctoral training program (IMPRS). The institute conducts research on chemical communication between organisms and their environment, investigating plant-insect-microbe interactions at molecular, physiological, and ecological levels. Research spans laboratory studies (biochemistry, molecular biology, imaging) and field studies (glasshouse and natural environments). The institute offers scientific services in mass spectrometry, NMR, statistics, and microscopy to support internal and collaborative research. Educational offerings include the IMPRS PhD program jointly organized with Friedrich Schiller University Jena, accepting up to five doctoral researchers annually through a competitive process. Communication products include the PULS/CE newsletter and science podcasts for public outreach.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

  • IMPRS - International Max Planck Research School: International Max Planck Research School 'Chemical Communication in Ecological Systems' - jointly organized by MPI-CE and Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, offering a 3-year structured PhD program
  • PULS/CE Newsletter

Products and services

  • International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Chemical Communication in Ecological Systems

Quantifiable outcome

  • Matilde Florean awarded Otto Hahn Medal for work on plant natural product evolution
  • +2 more outcomes

Companies that use Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology

Customer profile

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API
No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature4 records

Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and moderate.

  • Friedrich Schiller University of Jena (FSU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJointly organizes the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) 'Chemical Communication in Ecological Systems'. The IMPRS is co-directed by Prof. Dr. Sarah E. O'Connor from MPI-CE and Prof. Dr. Holger Schielzeth from FSU. Doctoral degrees are granted by Friedrich Schiller University. FSU represents the institute on the IMPRS board alongside MPI-CE.
  • Max Planck SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe institute is part of the Max Planck Society (MPG), one of Germany's most prestigious research organizations. MPG provides institutional support, funding, and administrative services including IT infrastructure, data protection, and legal services. The society is legally represented by President Prof. Dr. Patrick Cramer and Secretary General Dr. Simone Schwanitz.
  • Max Planck Alumni AssociationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerA non-profit organization developing and sustaining a worldwide community of alumni of the Max Planck Society. MPI-CE alumni are encouraged to join MPAA for networking and professional connections.
  • Beutenberg Campus e.V.moderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative network of research institutions on the Beutenberg Campus in Jena, Germany. Provides shared information materials and coordinates campus-wide activities including the Forsche-Schüler-Tag outreach event.
  • JenaVersummoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional network supporting science communication and public engagement activities in Jena. Collaborates with MPI-CE on outreach initiatives.
  • Max Planck Center - nGICEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Max Planck Center for Next Generation Insect Chemistry (nGICE) represents a strategic collaboration focused on advancing research in insect chemistry, building on the institute's core expertise in chemical ecology.
  • Abbe-Zentrum BeutenbergminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartners with MPI-CE for hosting the closing session of the Girls' and Boys' Day / Forsche-Schüler-Tag event, providing facilities for the concluding lecture and certificate distribution.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Direct peers

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology social profiles

Digital presence

Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology compliance and trust

Trust signal

Compliance1 record

Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology

What does Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology do?

The Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology conducts fundamental research on chemical communication between organisms and their environment, investigating plant-insect-microbe interactions at molecular, physiological, and ecological levels. It operates four scientific departments (Biochemistry, Evolutionary Neuroethology, Insect Symbiosis, Natural Product Biosynthesis), six independent research groups, and the IMPRS PhD program jointly with Friedrich Schiller University Jena. The institute also provides scientific services in mass spectrometry, NMR, statistics, and microscopy to support collaborative research.

Is Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology a public or private company?

Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.

When was Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology founded?

Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology was founded in 2000. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.

Where is Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology based?

Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology is headquartered in Munich, Germany, in the Europe region.

Who are Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology's main competitors?

Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen is listed as a direct peer.

Does Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology have an API?

No public API is recorded for Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology.

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Live signals
MpgInsect symbioses are surprisingly fragileResearchers from the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology and the University of Utah demonstrated that a new bacterium, Sodalis praecaptivus, can rapidly displace the ancient symbiotic partner Shikimatogenerans in the sawtoothed grain beetle. This displacement occurred within three generations due to genome erosion in the specialized original symbiont, which could not adapt to the changed conditions caused by the intruder. The study establishes this system as a model for understanding how mutualistic relationships can be disrupted despite millions of years of coevolution.EurekAlert!Silkmoths: Different olfactory worlds of females and malesA study by the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology reveals that female silkmoths use specialized olfactory receptors to detect odors from silkworm feces, which serves as a deterrent to avoid overcrowded host plants. In contrast, male silkmoths possess antennae highly specialized for detecting female sex pheromones. The research also identified a unique co-expression of ionotropic and odorant receptors in both sexes, enhancing their ability to detect ecologically significant odor mixtures.Technology NetworksDifferent Plants Can Produce the Same SubstancesA team from the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology has demonstrated that the metabolic pathway for the defense compounds known as benzoxazinoids evolved independently in different plant species, specifically the golden dead-nettle and zebra plant. Their research revealed a variety of enzymes involved in the formation of these compounds, contrasting with the known pathway in maize, and suggested that this independent evolution occurred at least three times. The researchers aim to further explore the biosynthesis of these compounds in other plant families.