In a vibrant atmosphere, the European Bioeconomy Challenge convened Europe’s foremost bio‑based innovators last week for a dynamic celebration of creativity, sustainability, and collaboration. Held under the BioRural project framework, the event crowned a continent‑wide journey that began with Regional Bioeconomy Platform workshops across Europe.
Broadcast live from Brussels, the Challenge showcased twelve outstanding finalists who presented pioneering solutions in the packaging, food, energy, and fashion sectors. Their pitches—blending storytelling with technical expertise—captivated both the audience and a distinguished expert jury, culminating in the announcement of three winning teams. A cross‑border B2B collaboration session fostered new partnerships among innovators and regional stakeholders, reinforcing the Challenge’s role as a vital European connector.
And the winners are:
- Proservation (Germany) — honoured for a groundbreaking biodegradable packaging solution derived from grain husks.
- NonStop Food (Slovenia) — applauded for closing the loop in food production with circular flour made from brewer’s spent grain.
- Noema (Greece) — celebrated for combating fast fashion with circular, fully compostable garments made from bio‑derived fibres.
After careful deliberation against clear criteria—including feasibility, circularity, and market readiness—the judging panel of Gerardo Anzaldúa (Ecologic Institute), Marie‑Cécile Damave (agridées), Peter Kafkias (DRAXIS), Bram Moeskops (FiBL Europe), and Jerry Zagoritis (Campaign Lab) collaboratively selected Europe’s top three bio‑based solutions. Their diverse expertise ensured rigorous and thoughtful evaluation throughout the Challenge.
For all finalists, this milestone marks a new beginning. With fresh momentum, they are poised to scale their solutions, forge new collaborations, and contribute decisively to Europe’s sustainable bioeconomy future!
