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Recorded live at the Pitch Perfect Bioeconomy event in Brussels, this episode features Rob van der Meij, Partner at Capricorn Partners, on what it really takes to scale bio-based innovation.

The key message? Scaling bio is not like scaling software.

As an investor who has helped grow multiple tech-driven companies, Rob breaks down why process development is the most underestimated factor in bio-based scale-up. In digital, you can iterate fast. In bio-based manufacturing, scale-up is sequential, capital-intensive, and often more art than science.

We dive into:

• Why process data matters more than pitch decks
• Why rushing scale can destroy value
• Why MVP thinking doesn’t work in industrial biotech
• When equity, grants, debt, and government-backed loans make sense
• Why the right investor mix is critical in early phases

In bio-based industries, 90% of the cost is defined in the first 10% of a capital project. Speed matters, but pushing at the wrong moment can cost years.

For founders and investors navigating long R&D cycles, heavy CapEx, and patient capital, this is a grounded conversation about reality versus hype.

If you’re building in the bioeconomy, this episode is a must-listen.

This episode is powered by Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant. 

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Recorded live at Pitch Perfect Bioeconomy in Brussels (24–25 November 2025), this episode features Agata Kotkowska from the European Commission on the new EU Bioeconomy Strategy and what it really means for scaling bio-based innovation in Europe. 

The message is clear: Europe has the science, the infrastructure, and the know-how. What’s missing? Speed.

With China, the US and India accelerating investments in bio-manufacturing, competitiveness is no longer abstract, it’s urgent. The new strategy focuses on:

• Scaling from lab to deployment
• Building real lead markets (construction, biochemicals, textiles, biorefineries)
• Ensuring sustainable biomass use
• Strengthening Europe’s global position

But this isn’t just about policy papers. It’s about simplifying regulation, aligning investors and innovators, and treating the bioeconomy as a serious growth engine, not a side topic.

If Europe wants to lead, business as usual won’t cut it.

This episode is powered by Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant. 

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Recorded live at Pitch Perfect Bioeconomy in Brussels, this episode features Nicolo Giacomuzzi-Moore, Executive Director of CBE JU, on Europe’s competitiveness in scaling bio-based innovation from lab to market 

Ten years ago, the bioeconomy was niche. Today, it’s backed by EU strategies, public-private partnerships, and large-scale demonstration funding. Europe has successfully helped companies overcome the first valley of death, moving from research to first industrial plants.

But the real challenge remains: commercial scale.

We unpack how Europe compares to the US and China, why access to capital is the missing link, and how regulatory clarity, standards, public procurement, and the European Investment Bank could unlock the next phase of growth.

There’s no silver bullet.
The key is alignment, between policy, finance, and market demand.

If you’re building, investing, or shaping policy in the bio-based economy, this conversation is for you.

This episode is powered by Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant. 

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In this episode of the BioCircular Loop podcast, host Melina Gerdts discusses the advancements in the European circular bioeconomy, focusing on cellular agriculture and lab-grown leather. She interviews Michael Newton, CEO of Qorium, a Dutch startup pioneering lab-grown leather production. They explore the differences between European and American entrepreneurship ecosystems, the innovative processes behind lab-grown leather, and the sustainability and ethical implications of this technology. In this conversation, Michael Newton discusses the challenges and innovations within the leather industry, particularly focusing on sustainability and efficiency. He shares insights on scaling operations at Qorium, the cultural differences between the US and Europe in startup ecosystems, and offers advice for European founders. The discussion also highlights the significant environmental impact of Qorium's leather alternatives compared to traditional methods.

Useful links

• Qorium
• Dutch Startup Qorium Bags $25M to bring Lab-Grown Leather to Market
• Entrepreneurship ecosystem theory 
• Pitch Perfect Bioeconomy in Brussels

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In this episode of the bioCircular Loop podcast, host Melina Gerdts recaps the 2025 edition of the International Forum for Industrial Biotechnology (IFIB) with Mario Bonacorso, the organizer and Director of the Italian SPRING cluster. They explore the topics discussed, highlighting the importance of circular bioeconomy in addressing global challenges such as climate change, waste management, and geopolitical dependence. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration, innovation, and effective communication to promote the bioeconomy as a viable solution for a sustainable future. This conversation delves into the pressing need for action in the bioeconomy sector, highlighting the importance of coherent regulatory frameworks, investment opportunities, and the role of clusters in fostering innovation. The speakers discuss the competitive landscape of Europe in the global bioeconomy, the challenges posed by overregulation, and the emerging trends that are shaping the future of sustainable practices across various industries. Personal insights into the evolution of the bioeconomy and the cultural shifts necessary for its growth are also shared.

Useful links

• IFIB 2026
• il bioeconomista - keep up to date with bioeconomy news
• SPRING - Italian cluster for circular bioeconomy
• European Biosolutions Coalition
• EU Bioeconomy Strategy 2025 

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In this episode of the bioCircular Loop podcast, Melina Gerdts discusses the challenges of sustainable protein production with Yvain Chardonnens, CEO of Standing Ovation. They explore the environmental impact of traditional dairy farming  and the innovative process of producing casein through precision fermentation. The conversation highlights the founding story of Standing Ovation, the importance of casein in dairy products, and the company's mission to revolutionize the dairy industry with animal-free alternatives.

• https://standing-ovation.co/

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In this episode of the bioCircular Loop podcast, host Melina Gerdts discusses the critical role of soil in climate change mitigation, biodiversity preservation, and global food security with Azadeh Farajpur, Founder of BetterSoil. They explore the importance of soil health, the alarming rate of soil loss, and the impact of unsustainable agricultural practices. Azadeh shares her personal connection to soil and provides insights into what constitutes healthy soil, the dangers of monoculture, and the implications for food security as the global population grows. The conversation highlights the urgent need for regenerative practices to ensure soil health and sustainability for future generations. In this conversation, Azadeh discusses the critical role of soil in combating climate change and supporting biodiversity. The discussion also covers the innovative approaches her company, Better Soil, is taking to enhance soil management practices through technology and awareness-raising efforts.

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In this episode of the Biocircular Loop podcast, Melina Gerdts interviews Dr. Carmen Hijosa, founder of Ananas Anam, about the innovative leather-substitute Pinatex, made from pineapple waste. They discuss the environmental impact of traditional leather production, the journey of creating a sustainable alternative, and the positive social impact on local communities in the Philippines. The conversation also covers market acceptance, challenges faced in the industry, and the vision for a sustainable future that heals the relationship between people and the planet.

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In this episode of the bioCircular Loop podcast, Melina Gerdts discusses the challenges biotech startups face in scaling their innovations from lab to industrial scale with Hendrik Waegeman, Head of Operations at the Bio-Base Europe Pilot Plant. They explore the high costs associated with scaling, the importance of collaboration and expertise, and the regulatory hurdles that can delay market entry. The conversation also highlights emerging trends in biobased applications, including alternative proteins, biopesticides, and food colorants. In this conversation, Hendrik Waegeman discusses the evolution of the bioeconomy, focusing on the transition to natural colorants, the complexities of biofuels, and the scaling of bio-based infrastructure in Europe. He highlights the international nature of their customer base, investment trends, and the regulatory challenges faced in the sector. Despite these challenges, he expresses optimism for the future of bio-based innovation, emphasizing the impact of BBEPP on sustainability and innovation in the bioeconomy.

Useful Links

• https://www.bbeu.org
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/efb-bioeconomy-journal
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667041022000118#:~:text=The large gap for academic,et al.%2C 2018).
• https://biopilots4u.eu
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667041022000118
• https://theproteinnclub.eu

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This episode of the bioCircular Loop podcast provides an in-depth exploration of the circular bioeconomy in Europe, featuring insights from Marco Rupp, Deputy Executive Director of the Bio-Based Industry Consortium (BIC). The discussion covers the evolution of the bioeconomy over the past decade, the role of innovation and funding, and the strategic importance of bio-based industries in addressing sustainability and climate change. Key themes include the challenges of biomass availability, the need for market creation, and the future outlook for bio-based industries in Europe amidst global geopolitical changes and growing demand for critical raw materials. 

Useful links:

• EU Bioeconomy strategy: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/research-area/environment/bioeconomy/bioeconomy-strategy_en
• B.I.C. https://biconsortium.eu/
• Bio-based Industries Consortium Annual Report 2024: https://biconsortium.eu/publication/bic-annual-report-2024
• Circular Bio-based Europe Joined Undertaking: https://www.cbe.europa.eu/
• Is there enough biomass to defossilize the chemicals and derived materials sector by 2050? https://biconsortium.eu/publication/there-enough-biomass-defossilise-chemicals-and-derived-materials-sector-2050

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