Una Europa Student Project Incubator Autumn 2026 | Challenges in Green Chemistry

This sixth edition of the Una Europa Student Project Incubator is a challenge-based programme that invites students from across disciplines to work together on sustainability issues that are connected to chemistry, its societal impacts, and economic realities.

Currently, the fields of sustainability and Green Chemistry are undergoing a period of reassessment. Public and political conversations reveal a “vibe shift”, sometimes questioning the immediate urgency of environmental concerns despite ongoing global crises like climate change, resource scarcity, and pollution.

Green Chemistry offers a crucial scientific pathway forward. By focusing on safer materials, waste reduction, and resource optimization, it provides the tools for building genuinely sustainable industries and economies. Since many sustainability issues stem from materials and chemical processes, chemical innovation is vital for lasting change.

Successfully navigating these complexities demands fresh perspectives, strong interdisciplinary collaboration – drawing on expertise from all fields – and the ability to translate innovative ideas into practical solutions.

The Student Project Incubator Autumn 2026 gives you the opportunity to:

• Collaborate in an international, interdisciplinary student team
• Strengthen your intercultural skills
• Develop problem-solving and project development skills
• Put your academic skills into practice by working on a real-life challenge
• Attend a high-profile academic conference, network with international students and researchers and take the stage to present your prototype

The Student Project Incubator is an in-person programme at Freie Universität Berlin and will run from 21–23 September 2026. It is part of the conference “Sustainability in Higher Education – Between Transformation and Vibe Shifts”. Incubator participants will be able to participate in the conference programme, which has three distinct workshop sessions only for them.

Browse the preliminary programme for the "Sustainability in Higher Education" conference.

Participants will collaborate in multidisciplinary teams on defined challenges related to sustainable chemistry. Throughout the process, mentors will provide support and guidance to the teams, and all participants will take part in interactive sessions focused on ideation methods and tools such as the Business Model Canvas, enabling you to structure your ideas and explore pathways towards implementation.

Participants will get to work on project ideas, but also have access to keynotes, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. At the end of the conference, all teams will present their final project ideas not only to each other, but also to the conference audience of sustainability experts from around the globe!

The programme will include two 2-hour online preparatory sessions in July/August 2026, ahead of the on-site phase. The exact dates of these preparatory sessions are TBA.

• The Student Project Incubator Autumn 2026 programme is open to undergraduate and master’s students and doctoral researchers currently enrolled at an Una Europa partner university*.
• Applications from all areas of study are welcome. While the challenges will have a chemistry focus, we’re looking for holistic solutions, so students from the fields of business, creative arts and humanities are warmly encouraged to apply!
• English language proficiency of B2 level or higher is required for effective participation in the programme.

*Please note that University College Dublin/An Coláiste Ollscoile Baile Átha Cliath will select participants from the winners of the Time Capsule micro-challenge, so unfortunately no further applications from UCD students and doctoral researchers can be accepted.

Students will receive a grant to cover their conference fee, travel costs and accommodation in Berlin from 20–24 September 2026.

To participate in the autumn 2026 edition of the Una Europa Student Project Incubator, please fill in the application form by 23.59 CEST on 24 May 2026.

Please note: AI tools may be used during the preparation process; however, your final answers must be your own work and not fully generated by AI.

You will be notified whether you have been accepted into the programme by 19 June 2026.

• Who is eligible to participate in the Student Project Incubator Autumn 2026?

Bachelor's and master's students or doctoral researchers currently enrolled at an Una Europa university are welcome to apply.

• Is the programme just meant for students/researchers from disciplines connected to sustainability research or chemistry in particular?

Students and doctoral researchers from all disciplines and fields of research can participate in the programme. What counts is your motivation to learn more and work on challenges related to sustainability issues.

• Is everything on location in Berlin?

The main programme will take place on-site at Freie Universität Berlin from 21–23 September 2026. However, there will be two 2-hour online preparatory sessions in July and August (exact dates TBA) which participants are expected to join.

• What is the outcome of the incubator?

Teams will present their project ideas to mentors, experts and participants of the conference “Sustainability in Higher Education - Between Transformation and Vibe Shifts”. The Student Project Incubator can be your launching pad to keep working on your project idea.

The Una Europa Student Project Incubator is a dynamic format offering students the opportunity to develop their project development skills, network and collaborate with peers across Europe, and gain experience in creating projects and initiatives that address real-life issues. Learn more about the Incubator format and explore previous editions below.

Photo credit: Freie Universität Berlin (photo taken during the Una Europa Student Congress 2024 in Berlin).