Evonik Launches Innovation Factory to Accelerate R&D and Commercialization
Essen, Germany – Evonik has launched the Evonik Innovation Factory, a new unit designed to accelerate the transition of research and development projects into industrial applications. The launch, announced on March 24, 2026, represents a realignment of the company’s strategic research activities and succeeds its previous innovation unit, Creavis.
The Innovation Factory will operate as an “entrepreneurial development unit,” prioritizing speed, market relevance and application-driven innovation, according to Evonik’s Chief Innovation Officer, Christian Eilbracht. “We are aligning our innovation system to significantly shorten the time from development to market launch,” Eilbracht stated. Evonik launches Innovation Factory – building what’s next for the industry
From Research to Application in Five Years
A key feature of the new unit is a mandated timeframe for development. Each program within the Innovation Factory is designed to reach the point of transfer to a Business Line – ready for operations and production – within an average of five years. Evonik launches Innovation Factory – building what’s next for the industry This structured approach aims to streamline the innovation process and ensure faster commercialization of new technologies.
Combinatorial Innovation and Strategic Focus
The Innovation Factory will focus on “building what’s next” by integrating Evonik’s internal expertise with external partnerships across academia, startup ecosystems, and industry. Axel Kobus, Head of the Evonik Innovation Factory, emphasized the importance of delivering “technically and commercially more resilient solutions” that address “real market demands.” Evonik launches Innovation Factory – building what’s next for the industry
The unit will concentrate on areas where Evonik already possesses established strengths and anticipates growing customer needs, including biopolymers, biosurfactants, and membrane technologies. Specific areas of focus include:
- Biopolymers: Developing alternatives to fossil-based materials.
- Biosurfactants: Specifically, rhamnolipids, recognized for their effectiveness and environmental friendliness, with applications in cosmetics and cleaning products, and potential for further development.
- Membrane Technologies: Advancing anion exchange membranes (AEM) expected to be crucial in the emerging green hydrogen economy.
Global R&D Network
The Evonik Innovation Factory is integrated into a broader global research and development network, connecting activities in Boston, Singapore, and Shanghai. This network provides access to new technologies, talent, and partnerships across key innovation hubs. Evonik launches Innovation Factory – building what’s next for the industry
The transition from Creavis to the Evonik Innovation Factory signifies a shift from pure research to targeted development, maintaining scientific excellence even as prioritizing industrial market readiness. Creavis becomes the Evonik Innovation Factory