Call for Innovations Open for CO₂-based Fuels and Chemicals Conference 2026

The innovation award “Best CO₂ Utilisation” invites innovators to present cutting-edge Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) and Power-to-X technologies that transform CO₂ from a greenhouse gas into valuable feedstocks and materials across industries at the CO₂-based Fuels and Chemicals Conference,  taking place on 28-29 April 2026 in Cologne, Germany, and online. This event has established itself as a leading international meeting-hub, regularly hosting over 230 participants including experts from industry, science, and policy. It provides  a key platform to advance innovations that foster a sustainable and circular carbon economy.

The conference highlights the well-established “Best CO₂ Utilisation” Innovation Award, which celebrates exceptional advancements in CCU. This award is co-organised by nova-Institute and CO₂ Value Europe, with sponsorship from Yncoris. Winning examples of past recognised innovations have included CO₂ capture technologies, polymers, sustainable construction materials, textiles, synthetic fuels, food supplements, cosmetics, and personal care products. Six nominees for the award will be selected by an international advisory board of leading experts, while the three winning innovations will be determined through a live audience vote. Submissions for the Innovation Award are open until 6 February 2026. Further information and the application form are available at https://co2-chemistry.eu/award-application/. 

Bringing together global experts and policymakers to advance the circular carbon economy

Recent global policy developments emphasize the growing significance of CCU in the quest to replace fossil carbon with renewable and circular solutions. The European Union’s ReFuelEU Aviation proposal, the United States’ Inflation Reduction Act, and Japan’s large-scale CO₂ capture projects all signal growing international commitment and investment in renewable carbon technologies. Together, they underscore CCU’s essential role in climate mitigation and its potential as a reliable renewable carbon source.

The event features a comprehensive programme of expert presentations, panel discussions, poster pitches and a trade exhibition. Together, these formats provide in-depth insights into technological innovations, market trends and regulatory developments in the Carbon Capture and Utilisation field. In addition, a range of sponsorship and exhibition opportunities enables organisations to support the event and expand their visibility across the renewable carbon and circular economy sectors.

The conference is organised by nova-Institute, a globally recognised leader in renewable carbon and sustainable chemistry research. Further details, including registration as well as exhibition and sponsorship options, are available at https://co2-chemistry.eu/.

Source: nova-Institute, press release, 2025-12-01.