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The mindset that moves us forward
We foster a culture of innovation, in our products and our processes, with one clear goal: driving growth for all our stakeholders.
Innovation that never stops.
At De Nora, innovation drives change with measurable improvement potential, creating relevant, contextualized solutions that generate strategic value by addressing emerging or existing needs. We continuously explore new methods, challenge conventions, and leverage our know-how to deliver meaningful results for our customers.
Our innovation approach operates on two parallel paths:
PRODUCT INNOVATION:
Fueled by curiosity, expertise, and rigorous research, we advance our offerings to deliver smart, effective solutions that meet our customers’ needs.PROCESS INNOVATION:
We drive improvements across internal operations and corporate workflows, while fostering innovation externally through networking, partnerships, and open innovation – all contributing to lasting strategic value.
Together, these two dimensions ensure that innovation is not just about what we create, but how we work, delivering clean and impactful solutions across industries.
Product Innovation
Expertise in action.
De Nora has been at the forefront of innovation for over a century, developing a diversified portfolio of electrochemical and water treatment technologies.
Our global research team — bringing together expertise in chemistry, chemical, environmental, electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing & automation engineering — drives the development of advanced electrochemical systems, from initial concept to industrial-scale prototypes.
+10
Nationalities
represented in our research team.
€138M
in Revenue generated (2024)
by research contribution.
+72
Research centers & Universities
in our growing partnership ecosystem.
+2800
Patents
in our broad portfolio of proprietary technologies.
R&D
Pushing the boundaries of research.
At De Nora, our international team of researchers, technicians, and product experts works closely with customers to develop and optimize electrochemical solutions that meet real-world needs. From concept to commercialization, our R&D efforts support global decarbonization, the circular economy, and clean water initiatives, with a strong focus on customer-driven performance.
In Green Technologies, we develop catalyst coatings and cell components for Alkaline, AEM (Anionic Exchange Membrane) and PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) Water Electrolysis. Our labs test components across scales and cell designs under fully automated 24/7 conditions. Parallel programs target DSA® electrodes and GDE electrodes for fuel cells, electrochemical hydrogen compression and purification, CO₂ conversion to chemicals and fuels, Electrical Energy Storage (EES), critical raw materials extraction and recovery with dedicated facilities producing and characterizing electrodes and MEAs tailored to customer specifications.
In Water Treatment, our researchers collaborate closely with the Water Technologies division to develop electrodes for Advanced Oxidation processes, enabling the controlled generation of reactive molecules for Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) abatement and effective water purification. These solutions are designed to address both industrial and municipal water treatment challenges, providing reliable, scalable, and efficient approaches for clean water.
By combining our electrochemical expertise with cutting-edge technology, we optimize electrode performance under relevant operating conditions and ensure practical applicability.
Inputs for product development come both from market and customer insights and from cutting-edge scientific advances in electrochemistry, chemistry, materials science, and physics. Metal-based and Gas Diffusion Electrodes are conceived, developed, and tested internally at lab scale, then screened through progressive, application-specific tests, from benchtop to in-house pilot, until industrial-scale manufacturability is achieved.
At De Nora, our international team of researchers, technicians, and product experts works closely with customers to develop and optimize electrochemical solutions that meet real-world needs. From concept to commercialization, our R&D efforts support global decarbonization, the circular economy, and clean water initiatives, with a strong focus on customer-driven performance.
In Green Technologies, we develop catalyst coatings and cell components for Alkaline, AEM (Anionic Exchange Membrane) and PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) Water Electrolysis. Our labs test components across scales and cell designs under fully automated 24/7 conditions. Parallel programs target DSA® electrodes and GDE electrodes for fuel cells, electrochemical hydrogen compression and purification, CO₂ conversion to chemicals and fuels, Electrical Energy Storage (EES), critical raw materials extraction and recovery with dedicated facilities producing and characterizing electrodes and MEAs tailored to customer specifications.
In Water Treatment, our researchers collaborate closely with the Water Technologies division to develop electrodes for Advanced Oxidation processes, enabling the controlled generation of reactive molecules for Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) abatement and effective water purification. These solutions are designed to address both industrial and municipal water treatment challenges, providing reliable, scalable, and efficient approaches for clean water.
By combining our electrochemical expertise with cutting-edge technology, we optimize electrode performance under relevant operating conditions and ensure practical applicability.
Inputs for product development come both from market and customer insights and from cutting-edge scientific advances in electrochemistry, chemistry, materials science, and physics. Metal-based and Gas Diffusion Electrodes are conceived, developed, and tested internally at lab scale, then screened through progressive, application-specific tests, from benchtop to in-house pilot, until industrial-scale manufacturability is achieved.
Meeting the most demanding requirements of the industry: that’s the mission of our design engineers.
How?
By conceiving, developing and realizing new electrolyzer components, stack, and systems in collaboration with sales, product managers and operations, to effectively capture customers’ needs.
De Nora engineers bring expertise across a wide range of fields: chemical engineering, ranging from reactor design to transport phenomena, hydraulics, materials science, chemical engineering, process & instrumentation, coupled with mechanical and electrical engineering. All of this is supported by the most advanced instrumentation and design tools both on modeling (e.g., via Finite Element Method) and testing (exploiting internal and external lab capabilities). This process is guided by different methodologies depending on product requirements such as Agile, Stage-Gate®, RCA and FMEA to streamline and optimize the products.
New components, stacks and systems designed and developed in-house using digital design tools are thus resulting in the generation of physical prototypes and digital twins. These are then evaluated through a series of progressively complex screening tests. The development phase continues through the construction of pilot units and their qualification in real-world conditions.
We place the highest priority on Health, Safety, and Environmental standards, as well as the sustainability and ethical sourcing of base materials.
Meeting the most demanding requirements of the industry: that’s the mission of our design engineers.
How?
By conceiving, developing and realizing new electrolyzer components, stack, and systems in collaboration with sales, product managers and operations, to effectively capture customers’ needs.
De Nora engineers bring expertise across a wide range of fields: chemical engineering, ranging from reactor design to transport phenomena, hydraulics, materials science, chemical engineering, process & instrumentation, coupled with mechanical and electrical engineering. All of this is supported by the most advanced instrumentation and design tools both on modeling (e.g., via Finite Element Method) and testing (exploiting internal and external lab capabilities). This process is guided by different methodologies depending on product requirements such as Agile, Stage-Gate®, RCA and FMEA to streamline and optimize the products.
New components, stacks and systems designed and developed in-house using digital design tools are thus resulting in the generation of physical prototypes and digital twins. These are then evaluated through a series of progressively complex screening tests. The development phase continues through the construction of pilot units and their qualification in real-world conditions.
We place the highest priority on Health, Safety, and Environmental standards, as well as the sustainability and ethical sourcing of base materials.
From lab insight to field performance:
INNOVATION POWERED BY DATA AND DECADES OF TESTING.
Every year, across our global network of laboratories, De Nora conducts around 7 million of equivalent testing hours on electrodes per year, running thousands of test cells operating 24/7. These accelerated life tests can simulate 5 to 10 years of field performance in just a few weeks, allowing us to predict electrode durability and efficiency with exceptional accuracy.
Our Testing Centers are equipped with pilot cells that replicate industrial electrolyzers for Chlor-Alkali, HCl-ODC electrolysis, three different processes of Water Electrolysis (Alkaline, PEM, AEM) and High Temperature Fuel Cells for Energy Transition applications. This enables us to generate primary data under real operating conditions. Data that directly fuels the development of next-generation materials and systems.
Our accelerated life testing facilities, with around 1,000 active stations, simulate real operating conditions for chlorine-, hydrogen-, and oxygen-evolving electrodes. These systems qualify new developments, verify post-operation residual life, perform manufacturing quality checks, and support troubleshooting activities.
ANALYTICAL EXCELLENCE.
Our analytical and testing departments combine decades of expertise with advanced instrumentation to address the most complex scientific and industrial challenges. Using microscopy, X-ray characterization, and wet chemistry techniques, we analyze and quantify the morphology, composition, and crystallographic state of the elements that form electrochemical coatings, as well as the solutions, solids, and gases involved in pilot and industrial cell operation.
This analytical capability enables our researchers to respond in real time to customer needs, following every project from initial concept to industrial implementation. With this combination of analytical precision and testing capacity, De Nora bridges laboratory insight and field validation, ensuring that every innovation stands the test of time.A CONNECTED ECOSYSTEM.
All R&D laboratory locations — from Milan to Concord, Fujisawa, and Okayama — are digitally interconnected. In collaboration with leading industrial automation partners, we have enabled full connectivity of every test cell, ensuring that all operational data are collected, structured, and stored in a centralized system.
This global database has become one of our most powerful assets: a living archive of electrode performance that forms the foundation for advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI modeling. By integrating decades of empirical testing with digital intelligence and real-world performance data, we continuously refine our predictive capabilities and accelerate innovation cycles.
Millions of testing hours every year
predicting electrode performance over 5–10 years of real-world operation.
1,000 active testing stations
replicating industrial conditions for chlorine, hydrogen, and oxygen-evolving electrodes.
24/7 continuous testing
enabling real-time monitoring and control for maximum safety and reliability.
From lab insight to field performance:
INNOVATION POWERED BY DATA AND DECADES OF TESTING.
Every year, across our global network of laboratories, De Nora conducts around 7 million of equivalent testing hours on electrodes per year, running thousands of test cells operating 24/7. These accelerated life tests can simulate 5 to 10 years of field performance in just a few weeks, allowing us to predict electrode durability and efficiency with exceptional accuracy.
Our Testing Centers are equipped with pilot cells that replicate industrial electrolyzers for Chlor-Alkali, HCl-ODC electrolysis, three different processes of Water Electrolysis (Alkaline, PEM, AEM) and High Temperature Fuel Cells for Energy Transition applications. This enables us to generate primary data under real operating conditions. Data that directly fuels the development of next-generation materials and systems.
Our accelerated life testing facilities, with around 1,000 active stations, simulate real operating conditions for chlorine-, hydrogen-, and oxygen-evolving electrodes. These systems qualify new developments, verify post-operation residual life, perform manufacturing quality checks, and support troubleshooting activities.
ANALYTICAL EXCELLENCE.
Our analytical and testing departments combine decades of expertise with advanced instrumentation to address the most complex scientific and industrial challenges. Using microscopy, X-ray characterization, and wet chemistry techniques, we analyze and quantify the morphology, composition, and crystallographic state of the elements that form electrochemical coatings, as well as the solutions, solids, and gases involved in pilot and industrial cell operation.
This analytical capability enables our researchers to respond in real time to customer needs, following every project from initial concept to industrial implementation. With this combination of analytical precision and testing capacity, De Nora bridges laboratory insight and field validation, ensuring that every innovation stands the test of time.A CONNECTED ECOSYSTEM.
All R&D laboratory locations — from Milan to Concord, Fujisawa, and Okayama — are digitally interconnected. In collaboration with leading industrial automation partners, we have enabled full connectivity of every test cell, ensuring that all operational data are collected, structured, and stored in a centralized system.
This global database has become one of our most powerful assets: a living archive of electrode performance that forms the foundation for advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI modeling. By integrating decades of empirical testing with digital intelligence and real-world performance data, we continuously refine our predictive capabilities and accelerate innovation cycles.
Millions of testing hours every year
predicting electrode performance over 5–10 years of real-world operation.
1,000 active testing stations
replicating industrial conditions for chlorine, hydrogen, and oxygen-evolving electrodes.
24/7 continuous testing
enabling real-time monitoring and control for maximum safety and reliability.
Intellectual property
The strategic value of intangible assets.
Since its foundation, De Nora has recognized that intellectual property is more than protection: it’s a strategic lever for growth.
Our journey in unlocking the value of intangible assets began with our first patent for an improved electrolytic cell, which laid the groundwork for decades of technological breakthroughs in electrodes.
From that moment onward, every patent, trademark, and trade secret has been treated as a vital business resource, contributing to long-term competitiveness, innovation, and revenue generation.
Licensing as a growth engine.
Through dynamic licensing agreements, De Nora extends the reach of its technologies beyond internal R&D. Licensing allows us to monetize innovations, enter new markets, and establish strategic partnerships, while maintaining control over our intellectual property. It is a way to turn research and inventions into ongoing streams of value, benefiting both the company and its partners.
Buying and selling patents strategically.
De Nora actively engages in the targeted acquisition and divestment of patents, turning patent portfolios into flexible tools for business strategy. Acquiring patents can fill technology gaps, accelerate innovation, and strengthen market position, while divesting non-core patents allows us to unlock capital, foster collaborations, and focus resources on high-value developments.
A global, collaborative approach.
Over the past 30 years, our Global Intellectual Property Department has evolved into a center of expertise, providing comprehensive IP services across the De Nora Group, including:
Patents and trade secrets
Trademarks and IP due diligence
IP searches and support for research and innovation projects
Working hand-in-hand with research, management, marketing, business development, and legal teams worldwide, our department ensures that IP drives innovation, growth, and competitive advantage, turning intellectual assets into tangible business results.
process innovation
Rethinking how we work.
At De Nora, process innovation is a catalyst for meaningful change.
We continuously implement improvements in the way we work, developing efficient, context-driven solutions that anticipate needs or solve existing challenges. By rethinking processes across the organization, we unlock strategic value, enhance performance, and strengthen long-term competitiveness.
Our pillars:
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Engaging employees to enhance efficiency, quality, and everyday operations.
HIGH-IMPACT
INNOVATION
Developing transformative projects that explore new markets, technologies, and business models.
OPEN & STRATEGIC COLLABORATION
Connecting internal innovation with external ecosystems, partners, and global trends.
By embedding innovation into our processes, De Nora ensures that ideas are transformed into tangible results, creating value for the company, its partners, and the broader industrial ecosystem.
Our approach to innovation is structured around four main areas that integrate both internal and external resources:
Transforming ideas into scalable businesses while investing in and collaborating with established companies to boost growth.
It’s a strategic function dedicated to driving innovation, partnerships, and new business models to support De Nora’s growth. It works across business units to incubate transformative initiatives, explore new markets, and leverage internal and external resources to ensure competitiveness in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Key activities include:
Managing internal challenges that tackle key strategic priorities and innovation needs, promoting intrapreneurship and identifying high-potential ideas.
Collaborating with startups and external partners to explore cutting-edge technologies.
Executing strategic investments to scale innovations aligned with company goals.
The Corporate Development team ensures that innovation is not just conceptual but translates into scalable, high-impact projects, supporting De Nora’s long-term strategic vision.
Transforming ideas into scalable businesses while investing in and collaborating with established companies to boost growth.
It’s a strategic function dedicated to driving innovation, partnerships, and new business models to support De Nora’s growth. It works across business units to incubate transformative initiatives, explore new markets, and leverage internal and external resources to ensure competitiveness in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Key activities include:
Managing internal challenges that tackle key strategic priorities and innovation needs, promoting intrapreneurship and identifying high-potential ideas.
Collaborating with startups and external partners to explore cutting-edge technologies.
Executing strategic investments to scale innovations aligned with company goals.
The Corporate Development team ensures that innovation is not just conceptual but translates into scalable, high-impact projects, supporting De Nora’s long-term strategic vision.
Fostering employee-driven improvements and high-impact projects across the company.
The Corporate Innovation & Intrapreneurship team nurtures a culture of innovation across the company. Through internal platforms, employees are encouraged to submit ideas for continuous improvement, optimizing existing processes and driving incremental change.
In addition, the team manages internal challenges that tackle key strategic priorities, promoting high-impact, scalable projects. This dual approach, incremental improvements and ambitious innovation, fosters a full-scale intrapreneurship philosophy, empowering employees to take ownership of initiatives that align with De Nora’s strategic objectives.
Fostering employee-driven improvements and high-impact projects across the company.
The Corporate Innovation & Intrapreneurship team nurtures a culture of innovation across the company. Through internal platforms, employees are encouraged to submit ideas for continuous improvement, optimizing existing processes and driving incremental change.
In addition, the team manages internal challenges that tackle key strategic priorities, promoting high-impact, scalable projects. This dual approach, incremental improvements and ambitious innovation, fosters a full-scale intrapreneurship philosophy, empowering employees to take ownership of initiatives that align with De Nora’s strategic objectives.
Identifying and investing in early-stage technologies and startups aligned with strategic priorities.
The CVC and Scouting function connects De Nora with the external innovation ecosystem, capturing early-stage technologies and business opportunities in existing and adjacent markets.
Through strategic partnerships, pilot projects, and equity investments, this function enables access to disruptive innovation and new business models. It also ensures strong integration between internal stakeholders and external ventures, aligning technological scouting and deal flow with De Nora’s industrial roadmap.
By leveraging open innovation and venture collaboration, the company strengthens its resilience, growth potential, and competitive edge.
Identifying and investing in early-stage technologies and startups aligned with strategic priorities.
The CVC and Scouting function connects De Nora with the external innovation ecosystem, capturing early-stage technologies and business opportunities in existing and adjacent markets.
Through strategic partnerships, pilot projects, and equity investments, this function enables access to disruptive innovation and new business models. It also ensures strong integration between internal stakeholders and external ventures, aligning technological scouting and deal flow with De Nora’s industrial roadmap.
By leveraging open innovation and venture collaboration, the company strengthens its resilience, growth potential, and competitive edge.
Partnering with and accelerating startups to turn early-stage technologies into scalable industrial solutions.
De Nora’s Open Innovation Hub accelerates early-stage ideas beyond the company’s core business. It combines industrial incubation with collaboration from startups and partners, focusing on process optimization, new business models, and ESG-driven innovation.
Through annual global calls, the Hub selects 3–5 startups from 200–300 applicants, supporting them from idea validation to industrial traction with incremental funding and technical guidance.
Focus areas include resource management, advanced manufacturing, and the green economy, generating benefits such as cost reduction, decarbonization, material recycling, and circular business models.
This program complements De Nora’s Cleantech VC investments, fostering synergies, entrepreneurial culture, and brand attractiveness for investors and talent alike.
Partnering with and accelerating startups to turn early-stage technologies into scalable industrial solutions.
De Nora’s Open Innovation Hub accelerates early-stage ideas beyond the company’s core business. It combines industrial incubation with collaboration from startups and partners, focusing on process optimization, new business models, and ESG-driven innovation.
Through annual global calls, the Hub selects 3–5 startups from 200–300 applicants, supporting them from idea validation to industrial traction with incremental funding and technical guidance.
Focus areas include resource management, advanced manufacturing, and the green economy, generating benefits such as cost reduction, decarbonization, material recycling, and circular business models.
This program complements De Nora’s Cleantech VC investments, fostering synergies, entrepreneurial culture, and brand attractiveness for investors and talent alike.
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Plot Nos. 184, 185 & 189,
Kundaim Industrial Estate
Kundaim, Goa 403115, India
+91 832 673 1100/ 1177
info.dni@denora.com
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