Technology Partnerships & Licensing Strategy

Brineworks is developing ultra low-cost direct air capture (DAC) for carbon removal and utilisation. We are a climate tech start-up headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with an international team of 15 with expertise spanning chemistry, engineering, policy, business, and strategy.

Our mission is to deliver ultra low-cost DAC through cutting edge electrochemistry and renewably powered intermittent operation. Our vision is for our technology to enable a world where gigaton-scale carbon removal reverses climate change and secures a livable planet for generations to come.

Brineworks offers a dynamic start-up environment where team members work closely on strategic initiatives that shape the company's trajectory. We value intellectual rigor, collaborative problem-solving, and cross-functional learning.

You will work on high-impact projects with real commercial and technical implications.

Learn more about us here: https://brineworks.tech/

Purpose: Prioritise partnership and business model pathways for Brineworks

Key Tasks

1. Conduct a strategic options analysis that considers what capabilities Brineworks should own vs. partner for and evaluate different partnership models (licensing, JV, offtake agreements, co-development)
2. Create a library of case studies of successful technology partnerships in clean tech/fuels/chemicals, drawing out lessons learned and applicability to Brineworks
3. Develop criteria for partner selection and screen potential partners and develop a list of potential partners across categories
4. Research potential deal structures for different partnership types and outline key terms to negotiate (i.e IP ownership, governance, geography, etc)
5. Create templates for standardised Brineworks' MOUs, LOIs, and co-development arrangements
6. Develop engagement strategy describing how to approach, what materials Brineworks needs to engage, and the negotiation approach, including risks and mitigations for each partnership model

Expected Outcomes

Strategic Business Development

Develop competencies in evaluating partnership models (licensing, JVs, co-development agreements) and conducting make-vs-partner analysis. Learn to assess strategic trade-offs between different business models and understand key commercial considerations in technology partnerships. Directly inform Brineworks' business model decisions by defining optimal partnership pathways, accelerating partner conversations with ready-to-use templates, and de-risking commercial deployment through validated deal structures.

Deal Structuring & Partner Evaluation

Build practical skills in partner screening, deal term negotiation, and commercial agreement development. Gain experience researching partnership precedents, understanding IP and governance frameworks, and creating standardised legal/commercial templates for early-stage technology companies.

Project Deliverables

• Strategic options analysis comparing ownership vs. partnership models
• Partnership case study library with lessons learned
• Partner selection criteria and screened prospect lists across categories
• Deal structure frameworks with key negotiation terms
• Standardised templates (MOUs, LOIs, co-development agreements)
• Engagement playbook with approach strategy and risk mitigation for each partnership type

• Our working language is English, so fluency is required
• Strong research and analytical capabilities, with ability to synthesise complex information from multiple sources
• Comfort working with quantitative and qualitative data
• Ability to produce clear, concise written content for various audiences (technical and non-technical)
• Self-directed and proactive work style with ability to manage multiple projects independently
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality, well-documented work
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Intellectual curiosity, strategic thinking, and willingness to learn about climate tech, its practical applications, and how to translate research into actionable business insights
• Collaborative team player comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment

In addition to co-signing the Letter of Commitment with Brineworks, you will also be required to sign our Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Nice to Have (But Not Required)

• Strong preference for talent who can work in-person at our offices in Amsterdam
• Experience working in fast-paced or startup environments

Brineworks is committed to building a diverse team and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

This role is scoped for a three month period. There is potential for you to extend the time in your role with us depending on Brineworks' evolving needs. Any extensions will be discussed towards the end of the InnoNext Program.