The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) is establishing a community for exchange between young growth companies, the established chemical industry, and, above all, investors of all kinds. The 1st GPCA Startup Nexus is part of the 18th GPCA Annual Forum. Holger Bengs, the initiator of the European Chemistry Partnering (ECP) and an expert on the start-up scene, is advising the GPCA on the new format. He shares some insights on the new event format.

CHEManager: What is the aim of the 1st GPCA Startup Nexus?

Holger Bengs: In just 50 years, a prosperous and innovative chemical industry with global business contacts has emerged in the Gulf region. It is only natural in the face of change and global challenges, and the importance of chemistry to our prosperity, to give young innovative start-ups greater visibility and the opportunity to connect with the established chemical industry and with international investors. The 1st GPCA Startup Nexus will take place over two days. There will be shark-tank-styled presentations and Q&A sessions for the winners. They will also have an exhibition stand and there will be rooms for separate meetings with interested parties.

Climate Action and Circular Economy are the two themes. Which startups can be found and apply under these two topics?

H. Bengs: We have deliberately kept it broad. The GPCA Expert Panel will select five start-ups from both areas, founded 2017 or later, that have demonstrated laboratory feasibility, which is technology readiness level 4: the topics range from plastics recycling, designing for recycling and the traceability of value chains to carbon capture storage and use, hydrogen technologies and solutions for renewable energies. Startups from the fields of chemistry, bioeconomy, energy and digitalization can apply with this variety of topics. This diversity should generate broad interest among the more than 3,000 international participants.

What is the timeline and what do start-ups applying have to consider?

H. Bengs: We are in the middle of the application phase, which runs until September 30. Start-ups from all regions can apply. The winners will be informed on October 15. The 1st GPCA Startup Nexus will take place on December 3 and 4 as part of the 18th Annual Forum in Muscat, Oman. Otherwise, all you have to do is apply with confidence, mark the date in your calendar and, if you win, book your trip and come. From my own experience, I can say that the participants will open up completely new networks and contacts, a real opportunity for growth on an exciting international platform.

“GPCA is dedicated to promoting the startup ecosystem in the Gulf region," commented Abdulwahab Al Sadoun, GPCA Secretary General, Dubai, UAE. "The 1st GPCA Startup Nexus will take place at the 18th GPCA Annual Forum. It gives international start-ups in the fields of Circular Economy and Climate Action a stage in front of decision-makers in the chemical industry and investors. We are delighted to have launched this lively and innovative community.”

More information:

1st GPCA Start-up Forum

18th GPCA Annual Forum