Green chemistry centre planned

Groundbreaking has taken place at the Chemical Invention Factory (CIF) at the Technical University (TU) Berlin in Germany, which emerged from the UniSysCat cluster. When it opens in 2027, it will offer space for more than 12 teams and 39 fume hoods where researchers can scale up ideas to commercial applications. 

“The CIF is more than just infrastructure — it is a movement,” it is claimed. “Its mission is to accelerate the transformation of chemistry into a discipline that not only powers industries but also respects planetary boundaries. By focusing on the principles of sustainability, circularity and carbon-neutrality, it creates the bridge between cutting-edge science and entrepreneurial drive.”

The CIF is also known as the John Warner Centre for Start-ups in Green Chemistry, to honour Warner, one of the original authors of the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry. Warner is an honorary professor at TU Berlin and sits on the advisory board of the regional green chemistry initiative.