Braskem, the largest petrochemical company in the Americas and the world leader in the production of biopolymers, in partnership with Endeavor, a global nonprofit organization fostering entrepreneurship, announces the second edition of its incentive program for entrepreneurs who have solutions focusing on sustainability and innovation: Braskem Labs. Entrepreneurs interested in participating should sign up their projects on the website www.braskemlabs.com in the period from April 11 to May 15.

This year's edition is more comprehensive compared to 2015. In addition to proposals that use plastic for the development of environmental solutions, projects in chemistry can also sign up. This year, in particular, a category will be opened for combating the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This category will not require projects to involve chemistry or plastics.

"Following the success of last year's edition, we decided to expand the program for chemical advances. We wish to transform innovative projects into feasible solutions that can improve the lives of people," said Patrick Teyssonneyre, Chief Innovation & Technology Officer at Braskem. "We also wish to use the platform to strengthen our commitment to society by stimulating the presentation of ideas to help reduce the incidence of chikungunya, zika, and dengue. The best way to achieve that is by fighting the mosquito through innovative solutions," he added.

In all, up to ten projects will be selected in the areas of chemistry or plastics - generating a social impact in segments such as healthcare, housing and mobility - in addition to two projects addressing the fight against Aedes aegypti. The entrepreneurs will receive four months of training with provision of content, online courses, live events and collective and individual sessions with Braskem and Endeavor mentors, as well as participating in the Boot Camp, a two-day training course focusing on the pitch - a clear, concise presentation of the proposal. The selected entrepreneurs will be monitored by Braskem executives and receive guidance by renowned experts and by Endeavor, the company's partner and one of the major organizations fostering entrepreneurship worldwide.

At the end of the program, the selected entrepreneurs will be presenting their projects during the Demo Day for a group of entrepreneurs, investors, investment banks, and other market players.

In the first edition of Braskem Labs, 159 proposals from all regions of Brazil were signed up, in particular including the states of São Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul, and Rio de Janeiro, with 19 selected projects. Of these, 10 projects are being marketed and six companies have entered into partnerships with Braskem.

"Braskem Labs is an opportunity to expand Endeavor's performance alongside businesses with high potential for job creation. With the support and expertise of Braskem, we have the chance to conduct training and mentoring to accelerate the growth of companies that are standing out and making a difference through chemistry and plastics," said Igor Piquet, Entrepreneurship Support Coordinator of Endeavor.

On April 19, at 8 pm, the Braskem Labs 2016 Launch Webinar will be held, presenting the program and discussing issues on entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability. The event will comprise a web conference and chat and will feature Patrick Teyssonneyre; Carolina Stocche, from Endeavor; and Eliézer Dias, winner of the first edition of Braskem Labs and creator of ColOff, a toilet seat cover that assists in the collection of biological samples.

To participate in the Webinar, please join the website endeavor.org.br/webinar-braskem-labs to receive the broadcast link.

About Endeavor

Endeavor is one of the world's main organizations fostering entrepreneurship. It operates in mobilizing public and private organizations and sharing practical knowledge and examples of high-impact entrepreneurs to strengthen the entrepreneurial culture of the country. In Brazil, since 2000, it has helped generate almost R$4 billion in revenue annually and over 20,000 direct jobs by supporting entrepreneurship support programs, train more than 3 million Brazilians with onsite education and distance learning programs. More information: http://endeavor.org.br/

About Braskem

Braskem is the largest manufacturer of thermoplastic resins in the Americas, with an annual output of over 20 million metric tons, including production of other basic chemicals and petrochemicals, with R$54 billion in annual revenue. With the aim of improving the lives of people, creating sustainable solutions in chemistry and plastics, Braskem is present in over 70 countries, with 8,000 members, and operates 40 industrial units located in Brazil, the United States, Germany, and Mexico - the latter in partnership with the Mexico-based company Idesa.

With the aim of improving the lives of people, creating sustainable solutions in chemistry and plastics, Braskem is present in over 70 countries, with roughly 8,000 members, and operates 40 industrial units located in Brazil, the United States, Germany, and Mexico - the latter in partnership with the Mexico-based company Idesa.

Braskem on social media

www.facebook.com/BraskemSA

www.linkedin.com/company/braskem

www.twitter.com/BraskemSA

For more information, please contact:

CDN Comunicação

Priscila Ventura - +55 11 3643-2744 - priscila.ventura@cdn.com.br

Ana Beatriz Paschoal - +55 11 3643-2737 - anabeatriz.paschoal@cdn.com.br

Priscila Nishimori - +55 11 3643-2802 - priscila.nishimori@cdn.com.br