Daniel Freidank (left) and Wei Leng (right), lab managers, check the quality of viscoelastic polyurethane foam. The density of a foam product depends on the type and amount of blowing agent, and the flexibility or rigidity on the structure of polyols and isocyanates involved. Print free of charge. Copyright by BASF
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Innovate with us

Who we are

Innovate with us!

In 2025, approximately 9,000 employees worldwide were working in BASF's R&D units. Our global network of top universities, research institutes and companies gives us direct access to external scientific expertise, talented minds from various disciplines as well as new technologies. This strengthens our Research and Development Verbund and makes BASF an even more attractive partner and employer. In 2025, we collaborated with multiple companies as well as with 269 universities and research institutes. Join our network of innovators!

Make a new bond with BASF – The Chemistry of Collaboration​

Collaboration is about Connection, Connection is about people. Who or what can we help you find? #Letscreatechemistry

Brainstorm concept of team discussing new project in office; Shutterstock ID 1077065480; Jobnummer: 20751351; Projekt: Intra/Internet; Endkunde: BASF SE , FHG/TA, Jasmin Heinemann; Sonstiges: BASF SE, ESI/K Herr Götzger
Start-up
We want to improve many areas of life. If you think you can contribute with your idea, technology or business model, we want to hear from you!
  1. BASF Venture Capital
University students sitting together at table with books and laptop. Happy young people doing group study in library.; Shutterstock ID 508251865; Jobnummer: 20749946; Projekt: Kampagne FLS 2020; Endkunde: BASF SE, ESI/K Nina Knapp; Sonstiges: BASF SE, ESI/K Nina Knapp
Academia
We look forward to innovating and collaborating with excellent researchers around the world. Bring in your expertise and partner with an industry leader!
  1. Existing Academic Research Alliances

What type of bond are you looking for?

Innovation Challenges: Discover collaboration opportunities with BASF

Halo Science: Discover collaboration opportunities with BASF
Halo Science is an AI-Powered technical marketplace for R&D partnering. Here you can explore possibilities to partner up with BASF and drive scientific progress. Turn your ideas into reality and transform the future together with BASF's funding opportunities.
Carefree young woman refreshing in water of a river
Personal Care: Care Creation
Together we will innovate personal care: Oils, surfactants, rheology modifiers, UV filters, actives - these are just some of the products BASF develops for the personal care industry. We invite you to join our open innovation.
Male scientist pointing while colleague holding digital tablet against greenhouse
Agriculture: Open Innovation Platform
Have you identified novel molecules and you are curious to see effects on weeds, fungi or insects? Just send us a sample and we will do the in vivo screening for you. Read more about the entire Open Innovation Platform process.
A picture of a finger pushing a start button
Agriculture: AgroStart
AgroStart is where we meet start-ups to cultivate the future of digital agriculture - together! Check out our offer and join us.

Customer Needs

Virtual customer innovation offering
BASF offers Virtual Customer Innovation workshops for customers who are seeking solutions to address an unmet need. If you’re a BASF customer, we invite you to partner with our global technical experts and jointly explore ideas to help solve your challenge. 

An expert opinion – Meet our Smart Scientists

Smart Scientists
At BASF, we are proud of our scientists. They drive innovations and help us change the world we live in for the better. Our innovation strength is based on our global team of about 10,000 qualified employees with various scientific specializations. Have a look behind the scenes of BASF R&D and get to know our experts who create chemistry for a sustainable future. 

Related News Releases:

Results: 2194

Trade News | 8 October 2026

Reliably Cooled: BASF launches GLYTHERMIN® for data centers of the future

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing is driving the expansion of data centers around the world and creating new challenges for operators in energy efficiency and thermal management. 
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Trade News | 8 October 2026

SEPAWA 2026: BASF draws inspiration from beauty rituals around the world to drive personal care innovation

Berlin, Germany – October 8, 2026 – At this year’s SEPAWA Congress, taking place from October 14 to 16 in Berlin, Germany, BASF will explore beauty rituals from across the globe. The company will showcase new ways to meet evolving consumer expectations by translating emerging global beauty rituals and trends into innovative, consumer-focused application concepts tailored to local market needs. “Beauty rituals from around the world have become a powerful source of inspiration for today’s consumers. 
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Because of its extraordinary property profile Ultrason® is ideally suited for E&E parts in AI infrastructure like fiber optical connectors (FOC). Photo: BASF
Trade News | 5 October 2026

Powering data, managing heat: Ultrason® for AI-driven E&E applications

BASF is expanding the application focus of its Ultrason® portfolio to advance the development of electrical and electronic (E&E) components used in AI-driven data centers, high-speed connectivity and e-mobility. BASF’s polyarylethersulfones (PAES) thus support E&E manufacturers, OEMs and data center operators who require materials that maintain reliable operation, signal integrity and long service life as well as ensure fire safety and efficient thermal management. 
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Ultradur® RC1 is based on recycled PET from post-consumer packaging waste and is designed for demanding automotive applications such as brackets, housings, and connectors. Photo: BASF and Adobe Stock, edited by BASF, 2026
Trade News | 30 September 2026

BASF expands the Ultradur® portfolio with new grades based on post-consumer recycled PET

Ludwigshafen, Germany – BASF is expanding its portfolio of engineering plastics with new Ultradur® grades designed to help automotive manufacturers and suppliers increase the recycled content of their products while meeting demanding technical requirements.
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Trade News | 28 September 2026

BASF researchers to share innovation in sustainable extraction and skin regeneration at IFSCC Congress 2026

BASF scientists will present their latest research findings at the 36th International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC) Congress, taking place from September 28 to October 1 in Perth, Australia. In one podium presentation and two poster sessions, BASF experts and research partners will share advances in sustainable extraction technologies, collagen science and high-performance biopolymer systems for modern skin care.
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