BioeconomyVentures

RAISING DISRUPTIVE BIOECONOMY VENTURES, STARTUPS AND SPIN-OFFS TO THE TOP

Funding Program:

Horizon Europe

Call:

BBI-2020-SO4-S1

GA No.:

101023260

Duration:

2021-2023

EC Funding:

€ 1.499.312,50

Becoming the Future Lighthouse in the European Bioeconomy Ecosystem

Bioeconomy start-ups and spin-offs often face significant challenges, with approximately 90% failing within three years of launch, and 10% closing within the first year. This high failure rate is partly due to limited access to finance and support. However, the European Commission sees bioeconomy as a key contributor to addressing Green Deal challenges, predicting that by 2035, bioeconomy-based industries could create around 400,000 new green jobs, many in rural areas.

To help realise this potential, the BioeconomyVentures project aimed to overcome these obstacles by creating a platform that connected bioeconomy start-ups and spin-offs with funding opportunities. The project sought to become the leading meeting point for bioeconomy innovators in Europe, supporting their growth and success in the market.

Our role in the project

As part of the project, Foodscale Hub (FSH):

Established and implemented a Capacity Building Programme for bio-based SME clusters, along with integrated business support services for SMEs.
Offered practical support to cluster managers and innovation intermediaries, enabling them to mobilise and enhance their skills, resources, and services for SME business development.
Provided insights to help participants access financing and supported SMEs in enhancing their skills to scale up their businesses and secure investments.
Delivered the Business Support Programme in collaboration with partners, completing two iterations and engaging 178 SMEs across 33 countries in Europe, covering a wide range of topics, including customer needs, crowdfunding, PR, and pitching.