Conference summary
Exploring biosolutions for a sustainable future
On November 28, stakeholders from across Europe convened at the conference "Biosolutions in a European Perspective" in Odense to explore innovative pathways for sustainable growth through biosolutions. Organized by Food & Bio Cluster Denmark, the event fostered dialogue among industry leaders, key stakeholders and innovators, highlighting Denmark’s important role in driving biosolutions to the forefront of European and global agendas.
Biosolutions represent a key driver in the green transition, with international forecasts predicting substantial growth in this sector.
Denmark is actively engaged in European initiatives, and last week 130 participants convened in Odense to explore the challenges and opportunities for business growth within the industry.
See conference program and speakers.
Key takeaways from the day:
The conference spotlighted key challenges and opportunities, including the need for systemic changes in regulation, infrastructure and consumer engagement:
1. Competitiveness and communication
The opening section of the conference emphasized the importance of framing biosolutions not only as climate solutions but also as drivers of job creation and economic growth.
Keynote speaker Sofie Carsten Nielsen (Director of European Biosolutions Coalition) underscored the need to connect with end consumers, highlighting that broader support for political change requires voters to recognize the benefits of biosolutions.
2. Ecosystem advancements
Significant progress in infrastructure and soft funding was celebrated, though gaps remain. “The ecosystem has come a long way in a very short time, both in terms of infrastructure and support for companies”, moderator and Head of the Business Lighthouse for Biosolutions Louise Krogh Johnson noted from the stage.
Initiatives like Pilots4You and the mapping of test facilities through Biosolutions Zealand II were highlighted as useful tools for increasing transparency and integration of test facilities across Europe.
Se billeder fra dagen:
3. Scaling challenges
Discussions revealed barriers to scaling, from overengineering to skill gaps.
Speakers highlighted the need for early-stage companies to focus on practicality and market readiness, optimizing resources to ensure success. Investment structures, including tax incentives and pension fund involvement, were identified as areas requiring reform to support later-stage scaling efforts.
4. Investment frameworks
In the final section of the day, discussions addressed the challenges of transitioning companies from soft funding to scalable, long-term investment models. While early-stage funding is running, panelists Lars Horsholt Jensen (EIFO), Louise Rørbæk Heiberg (Nordic Foodtech VC) and Henrik Busch Larsen (Algiecel) called for structural changes to ensure the survival and growth of the later stage companies.
A warm thank you to all the speakers and panelists for sharing your knowledge and insights during the conference, contributing to an inspiring dialogue around biosolutions.
The conference was organised by Food & Bio Cluster Denmark in cooperation with Invest in Odense, DI Bio, University of Southern Denmark, Syddanske Forskerparker and Life Science Fyn.
Food & Bio Cluster Denmark’s actions to drive change in Biosolutions
As Denmark’s national cluster for food and bioresources, Food & Bio Cluster Denmark plays a critical role in fostering biosolutions across the entire value chain – from innovators, regulators, investors and end consumers. From stage, CEO Lars Visbech Sørensen showcased a list of key initiatives, including:
- Biosolutions Zealand II: A flagship project developing and building an international industry sector-stronghold in biosolutions.
- Closing Loops program: A focus on circular solutions across value chains to drive innovation for more sustainable solutions.
- International Cellular Agriculture Network (ICAN): A transcontinental network for advancing knowledge sharing.
- EU engagement: Active participation in EU projects and the CBE JU programming committee, shaping European biosolutions funding strategies.
- National advocacy: CEO Lars Visbech Sørensen’s role in the National Bioeconomy Panel emphasizes the cluster’s influence in shaping Denmark’s bioeconomy.
Reflecting on the day, Lars Visbech Sørensen remarked: “This conference exemplifies our commitment to driving biosolutions forward by connecting ideas, infrastructure, and investments. Together, we can ensure these solutions not only address environmental challenges but also enhance our global competitiveness.”
Looking ahead: Biosolutions events in 2025
The conference concluded with optimism and a call to action: for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to continue collaborating in overcoming barriers.
In Food & Bio Cluster Denmark we continue to drive collaboration across the ecosystem, and we are happy to present more upcoming events in 2025 designed to pave the way for innovation and green transformation within biosolutions.
Woody Biomass for Food and Pharma
The conference will explore the potential of woody biomass in the food and pharmaceutical industries. With inspiration from Nordic practices, this event will focus on cascade utilization and the circular economy within the forest industry, highlighting the role of biorefineries in maximizing the value of forest biomass for sustainable food and medicine production.
Time: 20 January 2024
Place: Copenhagen, Denmark
Circular Biobased Europe Event 2025
We’ll dive into opportunities linked to €175 million in funding for flagship projects, fostering collaboration among industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers.
The seminar will spotlight Denmark’s strategy for engaging with large-scale, integrated R&D projects, enabling companies to align strategically with upcoming calls for proposals.
Time: 21 January 2024
Place: Odense, Denmark
Biosolutions Scale Up Symposium
This symposium will cater to businesses scaling their biosolutions processes. With facility tours, expert consultations, and funding guidance —including the opportunity to apply for Biosolutions Zealand scale-up vouchers—this event supports companies in overcoming technical challenges and achieving sustainable growth.
Time: 19 March 2024
Place: Taastrup, Denmark