The Tech Tour Bio-based Industries 2024 programme, held on 14 November in Wuppertal, Germany, brought together a vibrant community of innovators, investors, and industry experts dedicated to driving progress in the bio-based industries. Designed to foster meaningful connections, strategic collaborations, and impactful investments, this year’s programme served as a vital platform for advancing Europe’s green transformation.
The event highlighted 30+ selected companies at the forefront of bio-based innovation, chosen through a rigorous selection process led by a panel of active investors. Attendees benefited from insightful keynote speeches, engaging panel discussions, and over 100+ One-to-One Meetings, all aimed at sparking partnerships that can redefine the sector.
Recognizing Excellence in Bio-based Innovation
Among the exceptional participants, eight companies were awarded for their innovative contributions to the bio-based industries. Here are the award winners:
aerogel-it researches, develops, and manufactures novel aerogel materials, such as 100% bio-based aerogels for improved energy efficiency, circular bioeconomy and decarbonization of numerous industries, as well as biomineral aerogels for high-performance applications such as heat shields for ev batteries.
Arda Biomaterials transforms globally abundant waste into animal-free, plastic-free and scalable biomaterials for fashion, automotive, home goods, and more.
Blue Ocean Closures develops innovative and sustainable fiber-based packaging solutions aimed at reducing plastic waste.
Mevaldi transforms simple sugars into sophisticated, sustainable plastics through a groundbreaking hybrid bio-thermochemical process. By producing versatile biobased building blocks like Mevalonolactone and bio-monomers, Mevaldi enables the creation of advanced PLA-plastics, recyclable polyurethanes, and eco-friendly polyols for diverse industrial applications.
Origin by Ocean turns invasive algae into sustainable bio-based chemicals, replacing high-carbon synthetic ingredients in industries like cosmetics, personal care, and textiles. Their regenerative process combats ocean eutrophication while enhancing product performance.
Qorium creates high-quality, sustainable leather through cellular agriculture and tissue engineering. Their innovative process reduces CO2e emissions by 87%, water usage by 63%, and chemical use by 86%, offering a cruelty-free alternative without the environmental impact of traditional leather.
Relement transforms sustainable biomass residues into high-performance bio-aromatics for coatings, adhesives, and materials, offering a renewable alternative to fossil-based ingredients. Their specialty bio-aromatics enhance product performance, such as making paint harder and more scratch-resistant, while supporting a more sustainable future.
SenseUP develops eco-friendly pesticides and antiparasitic solutions using a patented natural evolution technology and a Corynebacterium-based fermentative platform. Their innovative encapsulated dsRNA protects crops like maize from pests and serves as a postbiotic to combat gastrointestinal parasites in livestock, offering scalable and sustainable agricultural solutions.
These outstanding companies represent pioneering solutions in key areas such as circular materials, sustainable practices, and green technologies, driving significant advancements across the bio-based sectors.
A Platform for Growth and Collaboration
The Tech Tour Bio-based Industries 2024 event underscored the importance of collaboration between startups, investors, and corporate leaders in addressing global challenges like climate change, resource scarcity, and environmental sustainability.
Co-organized by Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) and co-hosted by Circular Valley and City of Wuppertal, as well as supported by partners like Bayer, DWNRW, ZAZ Ventures, and Shaping Bio, the event was a true testament to the power of innovation in building a greener, more sustainable future.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Tech Tour community as we continue to showcase transformative innovations in bio-based industries and beyond. To discover upcoming events or explore the latest trends in tech-driven sustainability, subscribe to our newsletter and join us on this journey toward a sustainable tomorrow.
