InTent Internship Programme (#IIP) 2026: Paid Summer Internship for Master’s Students in Materi[...]

InTent Internship Programme (#IIP) 2026: Paid Summer Internship for Master’s Students in Materials Science, Chemistry, Bio Engineering, Textile Engineering, Design (3 months)

Join a paid summer internship where you will contribute to the development of next-generation bio-based textiles with real commercial potential. Through the InTent Internship Programme (#IIP), you will support the materials development starting from bio-polymer and fiber formulation, to process optimisation, and material characterisation work that helps bring a more circular textile solution closer to market.

About the hosting organisation

ER Ocean Recherche is a France-based start-up developing a new generation of textiles derived from marine biomass, at the intersection of science, design, and art.

Founded by the designer, artist and creative director Eugène Riconneaus, the project operates between laboratory, atelier, and research initiative, exploring how the ocean can become a collaborator in shaping future materials.

As part of a research residency at Sorbonne Université, we are building an experimental environment focused on:

• Marine biopolymers
• Ocean-derived pigments and dyes
• Biofabrication (fibers, textiles, coatings, living materials).

The Position

You will support the project as Biofabrication and Material Intelligence Intern. You will work directly with the founder across a range of ongoing experiments, from pigment extraction and stabilization, to fiber development, while contributing to the broader research and knowledge structure of the lab.

This role combines hands‑on experimentation, material development, and intellectual exploration (scientific and patent research).

What You Will Work On

• Support the material development by preparing and testing biopolymer formulations
• Support the development of bio‑based materials, like coated textiles and flexible composites
• Support the pigment and color research by extracting and stabilizing marine‑based pigments
• Test color application on textiles and other surfaces
• Explore bio‑based dyeing systems and color durability
• Regarding research and patent intelligence, read and analyze patents related to: biopolymers, fibers and textile processes and bio‑based materials
• Produce clear summaries with the core invention, claims, and potential gaps or opportunities
• Support the identification of innovation white spaces
• Support the documentation and system building, by documenting the experiments with protocols, results, iterations and failures
• Contribute to building a structured material knowledge base
• Support the development of internal tools for research tracking
• Support the artistic and visual translation, by documenting the experiments visually
• Contribute to the transformation of materials into visual outputs, installations and prototypes

Requirements

What You Bring

You are currently studying, or have recently graduated, at Master’s level in one or more of the following: material science, chemistry, bio engineering, textile engineering, design (fashion, product, material‑led) or experimental art practice. You are a curious, hands‑on and interdisciplinary thinker.

Who You Are

• Good understanding of polymer chemistry and structure–property relationships
• Familiar with material science and engineering
• Comfortable working in uncertain and exploratory environments
• Curious for both science and aesthetics
• Able to test, iterate, and learn quickly
• Detail‑oriented without falling into perfection paralysis
• Interested in ocean systems or sustainability (nice‑to‑have)
• Fluent in English; French is a plus

What You Will Gain

• Hands‑on experience in developing materials from biological inputs
• Exposure to the intersection of research, design, and industry
• Understanding of how an innovation moves from laboratory, to material, to application
• Introduction to patent reading and innovation strategy
• Participation in a growing ecosystem of industrial partners
• A unique methodology about designing from micron to macro

Additional Information

• This is a paid internship offered through the InTent Internship Programme (#IIP)
• The internship is expected to start between 15 June and 15 July 2026 and will run for 3 months
• Selected interns may also become part of the broader programme journey, including the virtual kick‑off on 16 July 2026 and the SEED Impact Summit on 24 September 2026

About InTent

InTent is a Geneva‑based non‑profit accelerating sustainable solutions by building bridges between business, education, and environmental stewardship.

About the InTent Internship Programme

The InTent Internship Programme (#IIP) is a fully funded summer initiative connecting students with purpose‑driven start‑ups and NGOs in sustainability‑related fields.