Precision fermentation could possibly be the biggest environmental technology invented by humans. By using microbes as ‘cell factories’ instead of livestock agriculture or petrochemicals, we might be on the cusp of a world that will look radically different from what we’re used to.

When it comes to the rollout of plastics produced from biological sources instead of petrochemical, which can degrade in the environment, many questions remain about the right way forward.

A new generation of startups is trying to build sustainable businesses by making use of the efficiency of fungi to produce novel feed, food or food additives highly efficiently, and also to create biodegradable materials that can replace resource-inefficient or fossil-based products such as textile or plastics.

Fermentation technology mainly consists of two techniques: SSF is solid-based fermentation of filamentous fungi controlling environmental factors to modify the final product structure. LSF is liquid-based fungal fermentation to produce valuable compounds for various industries.

Startups highlighted in this Deep Dive fit into two industries; food and feed, and materials.

The European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF) takes a deep dive into the fertile world of autonomous farming, exploring the challenges and opportunities ground-based robotics and farm automation offer. This report identifies the key factors driving growth of companies in the sector, the main issues they seek to solve and the venture dynamics across the investment landscape. Also, will farms ever become fully automated?

Green is the new black, sustainability is in fashion. The slow fashion philosophy, adopted by many of today’s fashionistas in all corners of the world, is based on longer utilization of textiles, better durability, higher quality, ethical production, as well as being environmentally friendly. Is our world, and its budding circular economy, ready to face the challenges of our heavily fragmented supply chains and, more importantly, our mindset?

Accelerating Digital Supply Chains

Circular economy is about more than recycling alone. Predominantly driven by digitalization, the 4th Industrial Revolution supports interconnectivity, automation, and novel circular business models that will greatly benefit scale-up ambitions. Our latest Deep Dive highlights the importance of a twin transition, and the challenges industries are faced with in their metamorphosis towards a digital and circular bioeconomy.

Does it make sense to take the plunge?

At present, awareness for the need to build a more sustainable, secure, and just food system is on a fast track worldwide, as are investments in alternative protein sources. Industry challenges to fill the protein gap with alternative sources ready for human consumption are real. Leveraging on the suite of learnings from plant-based proteins and cellular agriculture for meat applications, industry innovators are considering alternative seafood as a solid market opportunity that may accelerate quickly.

A nutritional powerhouse for the circular bioeconomy

As the world is facing the dual challenge of increasing the output of protein to feed an ever-expanding population, and simultaneously reducing carbon emissions, insect farming is quickly developing into one of the most promising opportunities. As ECBF moves into this rapidly evolving space, this article provides a quick entry into what & who matters.