Interview Chemistry Start-up Secures NRW Funding

Mechanolution is one of the top five start-up projects emerging from Ruhr University Bochum. As part of the Start-up Transfer.NRW competition, the spin-off has secured a grant of 269,000 euros from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. The funding will support the team for 18 months.

Mechanolution uses mechanochemical processes to make the chemical synthesis of ingredients — such as those used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals — more environmentally friendly. Instead of relying on harmful solvents, this innovative technique uses mechanical energy to drive chemical reactions. This approach not only reduces waste but also lowers pollutant emissions by up to 85 percent. Additionally, the process is more energy-efficient and offers higher performance. The idea for the start-up was developed in the research group of Prof. Dr. Lars Borchardt at the Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

In our interview, co-founder Desislava Dobreva speaks about what the funding means for the start-up and their ambitious goals for the future of the chemical industry in North-Rhine Westfalia.

Ms. Dobreva, what does the funding from the ministry mean for you and your start-up? 
The funding from Start-up Transfer.NRW is a great opportunity for us to think big about our project. We are still at a relatively early stage, and this grant is our first major milestone. Above all, it is also a confirmation of the great potential of our innovation in the field of green chemistry. Especially in a federal state where the chemical industry plays such a major role, the development of sustainable alternatives is essential. We hope this will help us contribute to NRW's sustainability goals.

What do you think convinced the jury?
It was our second attempt at the Start-up Transfer.NRW funding. The jury told us that we had implemented much of their feedback between the two rounds, and that we had been able to further develop our business plan. Above all, we proved that we are serious about Mechanolution and that we won’t let setbacks throw us off track. This not only convinced the jury but also strengthened us as a team.

How do you plan to use the money?
Above all, the money gives us the opportunity to enhance our laboratory capabilities by hiring more staff, which will help us focus intensively on the further development of our mechanochemical processes. Additionally, when it comes to scaling up, the funding will enable us to increase efficiency and production capacities.

Last year, you participated in the EXIST-Women program by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. The progam supports women at universities and research institutions interested in founding a business. What is your most valuable takeaway from that time?
My time in the EXIST-Women program was inspiring and helpful. It was motivating to connect with other female founders and learn from their experiences. The most important lesson I learned was the value of seeking diverse perspectives and insights from others. This made me remember that when you move beyond your own thoughts and perfectionism, you gain a broader view of challenges and opportunities from a completely new perspective. I think that is applicable to all areas of life and we should listen to and communicate more often with people who have perspectives vastly different from ours. It can only fuel growth.

Did EXIST-Women prepare you in any way for the Start-up Transfer.NRW competition?
It prepared me for Start-up Transfer.NRW by emphasizing both the strategic and emotional aspects of entrepreneurship. Strategically, it helped me in setting more clear goals and managing resources effectively. Emotionally, it provided me with a supportive community, offering tools to manage stress and maintain a positive mindset amidst challenges. 

Where do you see your start-up in five years, and what impact do you hope to make on the industry?
We see ourselves as long-term drivers of the transformation towards a sustainable and local chemical industry. Mechanochemistry is highly efficient, energy-saving, and, above all, solvent-free. The potential is huge and we want to act as a role model to show that mechanochemistry is also financially worthwhile. If we manage to do this in the next few years, other players will automatically follow us - for the benefit of all!