A successful bioeconomy

BIOCHEM, an EU‐funded innovation project helping SMEs enter the bio‐based economy, welcomes the renewed focus the European Commission has put on the bioeconomy in its latest Communication – ‘Innovating for Sustainable Growth – a bioeconomy for Europe’ – that was published today. SMEs will be key to the success of this strategy and the BIOCHEM project presents a unique opportunity for SMEs to enter and engage with the emerging biobased economy.

BIOCHEM is a Europe Innova project under CIP co‐financed by DG Entreprise and Industry. The project Coordinator, Steve Fletcher said “EU policy often reminds us of the importance of a healthy SME sector. The BIOCHEM project is giving SMEs a springboard to the bioeconomy, benefiting both these small European companies and the sustainability of our sector. In the push to a more sustainable, bio‐based economy, SMEs have vital role to play.”

Bio‐based products are made from renewable, biological raw materials such as plants and trees. They are typically sold on into market sectors such as bio‐plastics, bio‐lubricants, surfactants, enzymes and pharmaceuticals. Bio‐based products represent economic, environmental and societal benefits – and make up one of Europe’s ‘Lead Markets’.

The BIOCHEM project is helping ensure that SMEs are part of this future vision for Europe through activities such as Accelerator Forums. A BIOCHEM Accelerator Forum brings together SMEs and an influential audience of biotechnology investors, entrepreneurs and other major players in the bio‐based economy. Participants network, learn about tools to evaluate their company’s potential to enter and succeed in the bio‐based market, and have the opportunity to pitch new business ideas to potential investors.

The next BIOCHEM Accelerator Forum will take place in Frankfurt, Germany in June during ACHEMA 2012: the world forum for the process industry and a trend‐setting technology summit for chemical engineering, environmental protection and biotechnology.