Partnerships and cooperations

Benefiting from the latest technologies and projects of the IBM Group and driving digital change: was the goal of Evonik's strategic partnership with IBM four years ago. The two companies reacently extend their strategic partnership ahead of schedule until 2025. Taking this decision early creates more opportunities for longer-term projects.

As part of its strategic partnership with IBM Evonik has gained an exclusive access to the MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab. Evonik is the world's first chemical company to participate in this cross-industry R&D program. In this unique interplaying at the MIT campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, experts from academia and industry are investigating the potential uses and effects of artificial intelligence.

Evonik is joining the MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab and its advisory board to contribute its ideas and applications across materials discovery, formulation technology, knowledge management and market analysis to advance overall applications of AI in the chemical industry.

The scientists at the University of Duisburg Essen supported Evonik in exploring the effects that digitalization has on employees. Among other aspects, the topics of digital competency development, data protection mechanisms, and technology acceptance were investigated.

• In collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering, specifically the Department of Computer and Applied Cognitive Sciences, concepts of digitally supported competency development in vocational training for the use of interactive media and intelligent techniques in learning (e-learning) were tested.
• Another project analysed the impact of modern IoT (Internet of Things) systems on data protection concerns and trust in the employer.
• In addition, an analysis of Evonik production sites concerning their level of digitalization were completed. The investigation aimed at the importance of focus technologies for the respective area and how they were used by employees. The faculty of engineering and social psychology dealt with research topics about why current- and future technologies are used within different companies. The investigation took place in the context of technology acceptance criteria and the derivation of corresponding fields of action.

Evonik Digital is both: Initiator and member of the Gründerallianz Ruhr. It is an initiative that supports founders with a strong network of business, science, networking events, and programs. The Günderallianz Ruhr was launched by the Initiativkreis Ruhr, an association of more than 70 leading business corporations and institutions in the region.

Evonik Digital provides support as part of the Founders' Alliance, in promoting the start-up ecosystem and providing impulses from the industry. Evonik Digital is particularly engaging in the Data Hub, which fosters collaboration between data-oriented start-ups, companies, cities, and universities. Evonik Digital has previously explored 5 use cases for data science projects jointly with the Data Hub and innovative start-ups. And the next batch is already about to start…

Evonik Venture Capital creates strategic value and growth opportunities through investments and partnerships with innovative start-ups. With a fund volume of €250 million, Evonik Venture Capital has made more than 30 direct investments since 2012. The scope of investment ranges from early stage to growth phase with an investment volume of up to €15 million per portfolio company.