Future of Petrochemicals Challenge 2026
Future of Petrochemicals Challenge 2026
Reimagining the Future of Petrochemicals
Shape the Industry.
Inspire the Future.
Welcome to the Future of Petrochemicals Challenge 2026
The petrochemical industry stands at a turning point. It powers modern life, yet it must reinvent itself — greener, more circular, more attractive to the talent that will lead it tomorrow, and better understood by the world it serves.
The Future of Petrochemicals Challenge 2026 invites students to think boldly, and pitch the ideas that will define the next chapter of our industry. Brought to you by EPCA, The European Petrochemical Association — Europe's leading petrochemical business network — this is your chance to stand in front of industry leaders, gain visibility, and win real recognition for real ideas.
Whether you're passionate about sustainability, innovation, employer branding, or storytelling, there's a category for you. Build your team, pick your challenge, and help shape an industry that touches nearly every part of daily life.
Are you ready to rewrite the future of petrochemicals?
Categories
Modern Life Powered by Petrochemicals
Highlight the essential, often-invisible role petrochemicals play in modern life while changing how the industry is seen and understood.
Building a Greener, Circular Industry
Reimagine how the industry can become cleaner, more circular, and more sustainable.
A Workplace Worth Joining
Rethink what makes this industry a place the next generation wants to build a career in.
Prizes
Participating opens doors well beyond the prizes themselves, finalists gain visibility with EPCA's network of industry leaders, mentorship from professionals shaping the sector, and a final showcase in front of a live jury.
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1
€500 per Team member
2
€250 per Team member
3
€100 per Team member
Timeline
1
Registration & Application
7 sept – 22 Nov 2026
Teams submit their answers to the questions and a 60-90 second video of their case.
2
Public Vote (Shortlisting)
5 Oct – 22 Nov 2026
The public watches and votes for submitted videos.
3
Jury Shortlisting Phase
23 Nov – 4 Dec 2026
An expert jury reviews entries and selects teams to advance.
4
Mentoring
Phase
Phase
7 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027
Shortlisted teams work with mentors to prepare a 2-3 minute video and slide deck.
5
Final
Phase
Phase
January 2027
Finalists pitch live in person in front of the jury and industry leaders.