BIOCHEM BIOCHEM aims at improving the innovation capacity of bio-based chemistry start-ups and SMEs. It provides a business support toolbox that is being tested with 250 selected SMEs in order to assess their potential to enter the bio-based products market and to overcome their barriers to innovation. This toolbox includes: bio-based market information individual audits, coaching and entrepreneurial teaching classes business planning tools for SMEs, such as life-cycle methodologies, intellectual property rights strategies and a process for implementing a sustainable business strategy a European online partnering and innovation resources system to find the right research and business partners, test facilities and experts everywhere in Europe an online private and public funding directory specifically for bio-based SMEs
BIOCHEM Partnering Platform: a unique service for the bio-based industry The BIOCHEM consortium gathers professionals from seven European countries.
Putting SMEs at the core
of bio-innovation
As a part of the BIOCHEM toolbox they are developing, they have launched the BIOCHEM Partnering Platform which will become a central European exchange platform for the bio-based products community. More than 3600 SMEs, organisations and research facilities from all over Europe have been identified so far. SMEs wishing to innovate in the field of bio-based products can now use this innovative platform to find the right cooperation and business partners for their projects. Join the BIOCHEM network and register now on www.biochem-project.eu/ For more information on BIOCHEM, go to www.europe-innova.eu/biochem
What are bio-products?
BIOCHEM
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 also constitute one of Europe’s “Lead Markets” identified by the European Commission.
Driving Innovation in the Sector of Bio-based Products
This publication is financed under the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) which aims to encourage the competitiveness of European enterprises.
Key benefits of bio-based products market Economic benefits to companies through costs reduction, and additional revenues thanks to the demand for innovative products Environmental benefits thanks to renewable feedstock and increased process efficiency Societal benefits by creating new jobs and by saving valuable resources for future generations
Why should SMEs invest into bio-products? Bio-based products represent one of the most promising markets of the coming years: they are the answer to growing societal expectations and environmental concerns. They have the potential to substitute at lower cost fossil-based products and can be part of fostering a low-carbon economy with reduced water usage and waste generation. The European Union currently accounts for about 30% of the global 58 billion euros bio-based products market which is expected to more than treble by 2020. Opportunities in this field are rapidly growing due to scientific breakthroughs, and Europe is very well placed, in terms of knowledge and industrial activity, to exploit the markets for innovative bio-based products.
BROAD MARKET SEGMENT
However, innovation is inhibited by a number of factors including: L ack of awareness of industrial biotechnology and its benefits; Uncertainty about market demand;
STRATEGIC SOCIETAL AND ECONOMIC INTEREST
DEMAND DRIVEN MARKET FOR GREEN PRODUCTS
Lack of confidence to enter a new business involving new supply chains; Need for a significant technology investment; Limited access to specialist demonstration facilities. BIOCHEM will develop tools, processes and information to support companies in overcoming these barriers in order to develop successful businesses in bio-based products.
POLITICAL SUPPORT FOR GROWTH
REDUCTION OF CO2 EMISSIONS AND RESPONSIBLE USE OF RESOURCES