Stephan Laske received his PhD in polymer engineering from the Montanuniversitaet Leoben in 2009. At the same time, he became assistant professor at the Chair of Plastics Processing and Head of the Plastics Compounding Group. In 2012, he founded IM Polymer, dealing with biobased packaging materials. After Habilitation in 2015, he became associate professor for polymer processing. In 2015, he also transitioned into industry and held several leading R&D positions in pharma, waste management, and rigid packaging. In addition to his technical education, he finished an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Vienna University of Economics in 2024. Currently, he is Head of R&D Consumer Flexibles as well as the Matchmaker Startup Program at Mondi AG.