European Innovation Council

Norbite is a biotech research firm focused on converting plastic waste into sustainable products through an innovative insect-based biorefinery. The company's technology integrates biorefinery and vertical farming methods to process plastic waste, yielding larvae that are bio-refined into proteins suitable for food and feed applications. By offering sustainable solutions, Norbite aims to contribute positively to environmental efforts while providing clients with valuable products and services.

Releaf Paper is a producer of sustainable paper products from fallen leaves. They work on the task of finding a solution to achieve sustainability in the production of paper using new raw materials - fallen leaves, instead of wood.

CH-Bioforce provides a revolutionary technology for converting all biomass components into high-value material streams - dissolving pulp, polymeric hemicellulose, and sulphur-free lignin. These valuable biomaterials can replace fossil and food-based raw materials in multiple industries, such as textiles and packaging applications.

Bloom Biorenewables Ltd is a company focused on developing innovative technology to convert wood and agricultural waste into renewable materials that can replace petroleum-based products. Incorporated in 2019 and based in Marly, Switzerland, the company aims to provide sustainable alternatives for various industries, including chemicals, fragrances, plastics, and textiles. By employing a biomass deconstruction technology platform, Bloom Biorenewables offers a cost-effective method to extract bio-based molecules from plant materials. This approach not only helps customers reduce their reliance on fossil fuels but also contributes to efforts in mitigating climate change by lowering carbon footprints and supporting the transition to a circular economy.

Provider of advanced materials intended to produce bioplastic film, plastics, and coatings from agriculture residues. The company's technology uses food production residues to produce materials that are compostable under natural composting conditions and provides a marketable product from agricultural residues such as starch or brewery residues as a raw material for home compostable, harmless for the environment and humans, enabling the society to get rid of the plastic materials that lead to serious environmental, marine pollution and lower carbon emissions.

Provider of advanced materials intended to produce bioplastic film, plastics, and coatings from agriculture residues. The company's technology uses food production residues to produce materials that are compostable under natural composting conditions and provides a marketable product from agricultural residues such as starch or brewery residues as a raw material for home compostable, harmless for the environment and humans, enabling the society to get rid of the plastic materials that lead to serious environmental, marine pollution and lower carbon emissions.

Arborea Ltd. is a biochemical technology company based in London, UK, that focuses on developing sustainable bio-based products using its proprietary BioSolar Leaf technology. Founded in 2015, Arborea's innovative system cultivates microscopic plants, facilitating the production of healthy food ingredients such as antioxidants and functional proteins while also sequestering carbon dioxide and generating breathable oxygen. This technology not only supports urban and industrial applications but also enhances air quality and reduces energy consumption for climate control in buildings. By enabling large-scale algae biomass production, Arborea aims to provide a cost-effective and scalable solution for the sustainable food industry, aligning with environmental goals and promoting healthier food options.

Producer of food ingredients intended to provide upcycled ingredients for nutrition. The company's fermentation platform transforms wasted fruit and vegetable by-products into low-carb flour with improved nutritional value and functionality, enabling clients to get flour that is high in protein and dietary fiber, while being low in starch, sugars, and fats.

Plant-e is a pioneering company that specializes in harnessing the power of living plants to generate electricity. Founded in 2009 as a spin-off from Wageningen University, the company focuses on developing technology that enables power generation without harming the plants. Utilizing plant-microbial fuel cells, Plant-e captures electrons from the soil and converts them into electrical energy. This innovative approach allows for the creation of power sources from green roofs, wetlands, and rice paddies, effectively transforming them into sustainable energy providers. Marjolein Helder, who has been the CEO since her PhD graduation in 2012, leads the company, while David Strik continues to bridge the gap between scientific research and product development.

bound4blue specializes in the development of innovative foldable and autonomous wingsail systems designed for integration into a variety of vessels. This technology serves as a complementary propulsion system, harnessing wind power to generate thrust and significantly reducing the reliance on main engine power. As a result, bound4blue's wingsails can lead to reductions in fuel consumption and pollutant emissions by up to 40%. In addition to improving environmental sustainability, the system offers a payback period of less than five years, making it an economically viable option for boat operators. The technology also facilitates the production of hydrogen and oxygen through the electrolysis of seawater, further enhancing its eco-friendly credentials.

Cellugy is a biotechnology startup focused on creating sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics through the production of 100% natural bio-cellulose. Utilizing a fermentation platform, the company harnesses renewable resources instead of fossil fuels to develop high-quality cellulose that competes effectively in terms of economics and environmental impact. Cellugy's innovative approach allows for the production of various grades and qualities of cellulose, making it applicable across multiple industries, including personal care, packaging, textiles, and food. By offering a more sustainable solution, Cellugy aims to significantly reduce the environmental footprint associated with traditional materials.

Deep Branch Biotechnology Ltd., founded in 2018 and based in Nottingham, United Kingdom, with additional offices in the Netherlands, specializes in carbon recycling services. The company has developed scalable technology that converts carbon dioxide from industrial waste gas into clean, nutritious, and sustainable single-cell protein. This innovative process not only helps to reduce the carbon footprint of polluting industries but also offers sustainable alternatives to traditional feed sources such as soy and fishmeal. By transforming emissions into valuable protein, Deep Branch Biotechnology aims to contribute to a more sustainable future in the feed industry.

Developer of a retractable bow foil technology designed to reduce fuel consumption and ship motions in waves for marine vessels. The company's foils use a smart retraction mechanism with the use of light but strong composite materials that aid in generating lift when the vessel is moving up and down in waves, enabling clients to have access to a material that facilitates wave propulsion.