The start-up initiative C4Value, a spin-off of MPI CEC, has achieved a significant success. At the renowned CHEManager Innovation Pitch 2026, it secured second place in the ‘Value to Industry’ category. The award recognises the project's innovative process, which produces acetoin – a key chemical for food, perfumes and plastics – cost-effectively from bioethanol. C4Value is thus focusing on a climate-friendly alternative to petroleum-based processes.
Green Innovation made in Mülheim
C4Value is developing a catalytic process that converts bioethanol into high-purity acetoin. In future, this ‘platform chemical’ can serve as the basis for sustainable products such as butadiene (for tyres) or 2,3-butanediol (for pharmaceuticals and adhesives). In contrast to conventional methods, the process saves CO₂ and uses renewable raw materials. The start-up initiative was already recognised in 2025 in Chemstars' ‘From Lab To Market Challenge’ and builds a bridge from basic research to market maturity.
Visibility with Impact
Back in November 2025, C4Value was featured in the trade journal CHEManager, which reaches CEOs of large chemical companies on a monthly basis. The article about the future co-founders of the start-up, Frederike Sophie Heinen and Maurice Belleflamme, both members of the Multiphase Catalysis Group at MPI CEC headed by PD. Dr. Andreas Vorholt, attracted considerable interest and led to initial requests for cooperation. “This reach is crucial for us,” emphasizes Maurice Belleflamme. The award that has now followed underscores the industrial benefits of the technology, especially in competition with 17 international start-ups.
Accelerating Market Entry
Second place in the ‘Value to Industry’ category (behind elementarhy) confirms C4Value’s market strategy: it is initially focusing on pure acetoin as an economical entry point, before moving on to derivatives for the polymer and rubber industries. The award, presented by a jury of experts including representatives from Siemens, Brenntag and Ruhr-IP, strengthens the start-up's position as a pioneer in fossil-free chemistry.