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Partner with Evonik's High Performance Polymers Lab for Innovation Solutions

Deadline: October 15, 2025

Evonik owns a state-of-the-art Polymer Processing and Testing Laboratory located in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Historically utilized solely for internal R&D, Evonik designed a pilot program to offer these capabilities to startups. The partnership can range from collaborative R&D to defined testing service (e.g. analytical). 

Startups shall ship the lab-scale samples to Evonik Allentown, PA facility and qualified Evonik operators will run the experiments/testing per instruction from the startup. The results will be shared promptly.

Due to safety reasons, the startups are not permitted to operate the Evonik equipment/work in the Evonik lab space. However, if desired, startups are welcome to visit the lab in-person to observe/have technical discussion. 

Benefits to Startups:

  • Access to specialized polymer testing/processing equipment, including but not limited to:
    • Compound development
    • Polymer Processing Techniques e.g. twin screw compounding, injection molding, tube, SLS 3D Printing and filament extrusion, etc.
    • Test Specimen preparation
    • Various testing capabilities (e.g. mechanical, rheological)
    • Application Testing (e.g. tube burst pressure, tube adhesion testing)

A complete list of capabilities will be shared after application is submitted through STEX.

Example projects:

  • Material testing
  • Custom formulation development, to meet certain specs/requirements

Who Should Apply?

  • Scope: Evonik's Allentown facility only offers processing & testing capabilities, not monomer synthesis or polymerization.
  • Technology: startups developing new polymer compounds and novel applications. Companies working in the space of high performance polymers, such as polyamide 12 and PEEK (poly ether ether ketone), are particularly encouraged to apply.
    • Startup technology may produce the polymers, or it may produce the additives and other components in the formulation.
  • Stage of Development: Flexible – Nominally TRL 2+ Lab R&D scale
  • Location: Startups with operations in USA 

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

- Startups Apply directly through this Opportunity by October 15, 2025.

- Applicants will be contacted for a 1x1 introductory call with the Evonik team to discuss the program information/envisioned project scope. 

- Startups will be notified of their selection following the introductory call.

Deadline: October 15, 2025
Posted on: July 8, 2025
Location: Startups with operations in USA
Industry: Open to all industries involving: Polymer Processing, Polymer Compounds
Key Words:
polymer, polymer processing, compounding, injection molding, polymer testing, materials testing

Evonik owns a state-of-the-art Polymer Processing and Testing Laboratory located in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Historically utilized solely for internal R&D, Evonik designed a pilot program to offer these capabilities to startups. The partnership can range from collaborative R&D to defined testing service (e.g. analytical). 

Startups shall ship the lab-scale samples to Evonik Allentown, PA facility and qualified Evonik operators will run the experiments/testing per instruction from the startup. The results will be shared promptly.

Due to safety reasons, the startups are not permitted to operate the Evonik equipment/work in the Evonik lab space. However, if desired, startups are welcome to visit the lab in-person to observe/have technical discussion. 

Benefits to Startups:

  • Access to specialized polymer testing/processing equipment, including but not limited to:
    • Compound development
    • Polymer Processing Techniques e.g. twin screw compounding, injection molding, tube, SLS 3D Printing and filament extrusion, etc.
    • Test Specimen preparation
    • Various testing capabilities (e.g. mechanical, rheological)
    • Application Testing (e.g. tube burst pressure, tube adhesion testing)

A complete list of capabilities will be shared after application is submitted through STEX.

Example projects:

  • Material testing
  • Custom formulation development, to meet certain specs/requirements

Who Should Apply?

  • Scope: Evonik's Allentown facility only offers processing & testing capabilities, not monomer synthesis or polymerization.
  • Technology: startups developing new polymer compounds and novel applications. Companies working in the space of high performance polymers, such as polyamide 12 and PEEK (poly ether ether ketone), are particularly encouraged to apply.
    • Startup technology may produce the polymers, or it may produce the additives and other components in the formulation.
  • Stage of Development: Flexible – Nominally TRL 2+ Lab R&D scale
  • Location: Startups with operations in USA 

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

- Startups Apply directly through this Opportunity by October 15, 2025.

- Applicants will be contacted for a 1x1 introductory call with the Evonik team to discuss the program information/envisioned project scope. 

- Startups will be notified of their selection following the introductory call.

About Evonik

Evonik is a global leader in specialty chemicals, operating in over 100 countries with approximately 32,000 employees. Our commitment extends beyond chemistry to deliver innovative, profitable, and sustainable solutions for our customers. Learn more at https://corporate.evonik.com/en.

About Evonik High Performance Polymers Business Line:

The High Performance Polymers Business Line specializes in developing customized solutions using high-performance polymers. In particular, Evonik is the leading global supplier of polyamide 12. Our extensive portfolio has evolved over the past fifty years to include polyamide compounds tailored to diverse market needs, high-temperature polymers such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone) and polyimides, semi-finished products for medical technology, and innovative gas separation membrane modules.

Learn more at https://www.evonik.com/en/company/businesslines/hp.html

  • About Evonik

    Evonik is a global leader in specialty chemicals, operating in over 100 countries with approximately 32,000 employees. Our commitment extends beyond chemistry to deliver innovative, profitable, and sustainable solutions for our customers. Learn more at https://corporate.evonik.com/en.

    About Evonik High Performance Polymers Business Line:

    The High Performance Polymers Business Line specializes in developing customized solutions using high-performance polymers. In particular, Evonik is the leading global supplier of polyamide 12. Our extensive portfolio has evolved over the past fifty years to include polyamide compounds tailored to diverse market needs, high-temperature polymers such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone) and polyimides, semi-finished products for medical technology, and innovative gas separation membrane modules.

    Learn more at https://www.evonik.com/en/company/businesslines/hp.html

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