Why Electronics, Why Now
Electronics are everywhere − and so are their consequences. From toxic substances in components to mountains of e-waste and the high energy demand of semiconductor manufacturing, the sector's environmental footprint has long been treated as an unavoidable trade-off. ISC3 is challenging that assumption.
This year's call invited start-ups to rethink the chemistry behind our devices − and the responses were as diverse as the problem itself. The selected innovations range from solvent-free magnet recycling and next-generation battery electrolytes to AI-driven platforms for electronics traceability and bio-based adhesives for greener assembly. Other finalists focus on locally rooted e-waste solutions that integrate the informal sector into the circular economy, as well as modular, eco-designed electronic ear tags for animal health monitoring. Together, these innovations demonstrate the diversity of sustainable electronics innovation while reflecting a new generation of founders who see sustainability as a core design principle rather than an afterthought.
Chosen by Experts, Built for Impact
Selecting eight finalists from such a strong field was no small task. A jury of 15 independent experts − spanning Sustainable Chemistry, Electronics, Business, Innovation and Academia − brought a rigorous multi-lens perspective to the evaluation. “The quality and diversity of this year's applications send a clear signal: these founders are proving that Sustainable Chemistry and electronics innovation go hand in hand − and that is exactly the kind of work ISC3 exists to amplify," says Dr. Alexis Bazzanella, Director of the ISC3 Innovation Hub. ISC3 extends its sincere thanks to every jury member for the time and expertise they brought to this process.
The Eight Finalists
After a two-stage evaluation process, the following start-ups have earned their place in the final round of the ISC3 Innovation Challenge 2026 (listed alphabetically):
Afya Ya Mnyama Digital (Tanzania) has developed an eco-designed, modular smart ear tag sensor system that monitors the health of farm animals in real time – with a focus on reducing environmental impact throughout the device lifecycle.
AppCyclers (Ghana) is running a safe and community-driven digital e-waste recycling system − from collection, safe recycling and training to trading quality recycled products.
B-CIRC Botswana Circular Energy Storage Platform (Botswana) is building a four-device energy storage and solar-fuel platform aiming to source all active electrode and electrolyte material from Botswana waste streams or evaporite deposits.
Ecolyte (Azerbaijan) is replacing flammable electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries with ionic liquid-based gelthat have the potential to enhance battery efficiency, lifespan, and safety.
ON nano International (Germany) is offering the world`s first largest-area spin coater for glass-based circuit boards that enables highly uniform resist coating on ultra-thin material layers for next generation chip assembly while significantly reducing chemical and material consumption.
ReBond Technologies (Tanzania) is introducing a low-cost, bio-based reversible adhesive designed for electronic assembly and disassembly − improving material recovery and supporting circular electronics.
TSR Innovations (Germany) is developing a cost-efficient, closed-loop mechanochemical recycling process for end-of-life rare-earth magnets.
WeavInsight (Singapore) is building an AI-driven remote sensing and IoT platform that creates a "Chemical Digital Twin" for electronics to help detect and reduce material dissipation and toxic leakage.
What Happens Next
All eight finalists will receive tailored support through the ISC3 Global Start-up Service, including online pitch training, workshops, support from mentors and experts, and increased visibility through ISC3’s communication channels − among them the "Start-up of the Month" series, which spotlights best practices in Sustainable Chemistry to an international audience.
Following the pitch training, finalists will take the stage at electronica 2026 − one of the world’s leading trade fairs for electronic components and systems − taking place from 10 to 13 November 2026 in Munich, Germany. There, they will present their solutions and compete for the €15,000 main prize on 13 November. Two additional start-ups will each receive €5,000 in recognition of their outstanding impact. The finalists’ journey will culminate in the official ISC3 Innovation Challenge Award Ceremony.
The competition highlights ISC3's commitment to accelerating market-ready Sustainable Chemistry innovations that contribute to a more circular and resilient electronics sector.
