Mechanolution: The new startup is revolutionizing the chemical industry in NRW!

Mechanolution: The new startup is revolutionizing the chemical industry in NRW!

The start-up Mechanolution, which specializes in mechanochemical processes for sustainable chemical synthesis, today received funding of 269,000 euros. This support comes from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia as part of the competition Start-up Transfer.NRW. The funding is designed for a period of 18 months.

Mechanolution is one of the top 5 start-up projects at the Ruhr University Bochum. The innovative founding idea arose in the research group of Prof. Dr. Lars Borchardt at the Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The company's founders use mechanical energy instead of environmentally harmful solvents. This reduces waste and reduces pollutant emissions by around 85 percent. The processes are not only environmentally friendly, but also energy-saving and more efficient.

Sustainable future in view

One of the co-founders, Desislava Dobreva, was one of the first scholarship holders in the EXIST-Women funding program in 2024, which encourages women to become self-employed. Dobreva describes her positive experiences and the personal growth she experienced through the program. Mechanolution plans to use the funding to hire new employees and expand its laboratory capacities.

The company's goal is to further develop its mechanochemical processes to increase efficiency and production. Mechanolution sees itself as a driver of change towards a sustainable and local chemical industry.

Funding conditions and objectives

The funding competition Start-up Transfer.NRW is aimed at knowledge-intensive start-ups in science and research. Research and educational institutions based in North Rhine-Westphalia are eligible to apply, and the support aims to strengthen the region's competitiveness. The program is implemented as part of European regional funding (EFRE/JTF program NRW 2021-2027).

Another important condition is that no company must have been founded before submitting the application. The aim of the funding measure is to support graduates and scientists in bringing their innovative ideas to market maturity, which also includes a focus on technology-oriented projects. Funding includes, among other things, the market-oriented further development of products and services as well as the preparation of setting up a company.

Funding of up to 270,000 euros per project is also available, with applicants having to contribute at least 10 percent of their own. The support also includes mandatory coaching to impart the necessary business know-how.

With its innovative focus on sustainable chemistry, Mechanolution not only provides impetus for its own business development, but also plans to make a contribution to environmental protection and resource conservation. Ensuring a more environmentally friendly chemical industry and increasing efficiency in manufacturing could make a significant contribution to the climate change within the scope of the targeted goals.

The support of Mechanolution is an example of the current promotion of new business models that rely on responsible behavior. Looking into the future, interest in similar start-ups that develop innovative and sustainable solutions is expected to grow.

Additional supporting measures for founders in North Rhine-Westphalia are over Green start-ups NRW accessible. Here too, the focus is on innovative approaches to environmental protection and resource conservation. This strengthens Mechanolution's commitment to a sustainable future not only locally, but also regionally and nationally.