Rooted in Excellence, Growing for the Future. The Rhenish Mining Area is undergoing a historic transformation. Formerly defined by lignite mining, the region is now evolving into Europe’s first model region for a sustainable bioeconomy.
By using local, renewable raw materials instead of petrochemical-based feedstocks, the Bio4MatPro Competence Center aims to develop the former Rhenish Mining Area into a resource-efficient Bioeconomy Model Region, thereby making a significant contribution to the structural change of the region. To achieve this, current product concepts and production technologies must be rethought to manufacture products ecologically and economically within a sustainable industrial value chain and to utilize them in a circular economy. Therefore, the development of new production technologies is also central to Bio4MatPro.
The goal is to manufacture products with high added value based on renewable raw materials, to establish scalable, biocompatible production processes, and to create bio-based value chains for a climate-neutral circular economy.
Chair of Biotechnology @ RWTH Aachen
As one of Germany’s designated Universities of Excellence, RWTH Aachen stands at the forefront of European science and research. We combine world-class research with a thriving entrepreneurial culture, creating the ultimate launchpad for disruptive material start-ups.
RWTH Aachen University is one of Europe's leading (entrepreneurial) universities. Last year alone, our ecosystem secured €700 million in external funding for start-ups. Notably, €332.5 million of this was dedicated specifically to deep tech ventures in the field of Advanced Materials, proving our strength in high-tech innovation.
Access a massive talent pool of 45,000 specialists, 80% of whom are in STEM fields. Our ecosystem accelerates scaling through access to a high-performance supercomputer, a demo factory for small-series production, and over 600 labs available via our Expert Hubs.
Collaboration is in our DNA. through the RWTH Campus GmbH and the Bio4MatPro competence center, we offer direct access to a unique ecosystem of 435 industrial partners. This network connects you with regional champions and global players to drive co-innovation.
The Rhenish Mining Area
The Rhenish Mining Area, once known for its coal mining, is now at the forefront of Europe’s shift towards a climate-friendly, circular economy. Located in North Rhine-Westphalia, this dynamic region is undergoing a bold transformationby becoming a model region for bioeconomy. With its outstanding research infrastructure, anchored by RWTH Aachen University, the area offers an ideal starting point for scientists eager to tackle global sustainability challenges.
The drive for “biological transformation” in the Rhenish Mining Area means turning local resources into valuable, renewable materials—powering new technologies, jobs, and a future-proof economy. Here, researchers don’t just find support and funding; they join a community working together to turn scientific breakthroughs into real-world, climatepositive impact. If you’re ready to shape the next generation of sustainable materials, the Rhenish Mining Arear offers you the space and support to help make lasting change.
