Partners

Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant
Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant is an independent, state-of-the-art facility that operates from a laboratory level to a multi-ton scale. Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant is a service provider for process development, scale-up and custom manufacturing of biobased products and processes. Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant enables the conversion of renewable feedstocks into biochemicals, biomaterials, biofuels and other bioproducts by using technologies such as biomass pretreatment, biocatalysis, (gas)fermentation, green chemistry and product recovery and purification.

AmphiStar
AmphiStar is specialized in the development of a game changing technology platform for the cost-efficient and ecological production of a range of biosurfactants from first and second generation feedstocks. AmphiStar develops, scales up and produces biosurfactants at industrial scale, bringing together the required technologies, know-how and IP to convert biomass (waste) streams into purified biosurfactant products ready-to use by customers.

DBFZ, the German Institute for Biomass Research
The DBFZ Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum gemeinnützige GmbH (DBFZ) is a federal institution founded in 2008 that conducts applied research into the energetic and integrated material use of biomass. DBFZ develops various concepts for the economically viable, ecologically harmless and socially acceptable energetic use of biomass. The aim is to analyse potential areas of conflict between the various objectives pursued with the expansion of bioenergy at an early stage and to develop forward-looking design approaches. The Bioenergy Systems Department is involved in SURFs UP with several tasks:

Selecting and mapping the biomass potential of the most promising feedstocks in the EU in order to identify optimal locations for a future flagship plant. The information on local quantities is also important when it comes to scaling the plant and logistics.
Doing an in-depth analysis of biomass supply and logistics as well as a regional biomass sustainability assessment for the demo plant including a stakeholder mapping.

Fibenol
Fibenol is an Estonian cleantech pioneer committed to transforming the material and chemical industry towards sustainability. Our groundbreaking wood valorization pre-treatment process, Sunburst, transforms over 90% of residual and low-quality hardwood into novel biomaterials - lignin, wood sugars, and specialty cellulose - produced in our flagship plant following zero-waste principles. These renewable biomaterials replace fossil-based chemicals, supporting the defossilization of everyday materials and urban environments. Our low-carbon solutions are used in various applications, from construction materials and biocomposites to biosurfactants and home care products.

IST-ID, Associação do Instituto Superior Técnico para a Investigação e Desenvolvimento
IST-ID, is a private not-for-profit institution, which primarily aims at carrying out Science and Technology activities, fostering knowledge transfer and promoting the involvement of national and foreign researchers, both at national and international levels, in RD&I projects in their areas of expertise. The Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, at Instituto Superior Técnico, is involved in SURFs UP.

The University of Liège, with more than 200 years of academic excellence combining international reach and strong regional engagement, contributes to the SURFs UP project through Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, its leading faculty in agricultural sciences and bioengineering. The project involves the Microbial Processes and Interactions (MiPI) laboratory, which specializes in the development of innovative bioprocesses and the study of microbial lipopeptides, biomolecules with strong potential for sustainable applications in agriculture, biocontrol, and industrial biotechnology. Leveraging advanced expertise in precision fermentation technologies, MiPI develops efficient and sustainable processes that enable the transition from laboratory scale to industrial applications, thereby contributing to the development of innovative, high-value bio-based solutions.

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd
VTT is one of Europe’s leading research institutions. Through scientific and technological means, VTT turns large global challenges into sustainable growth for businesses and society. VTT’s research, development and innovation activities are divided into three business areas (carbon neutral solutions, sustainable products and materials, and digital technologies) in which they develop solutions for companies and society. The Lignin and sidestream valorization department is involved in SURFs UP.

Unilever u.k. central resources limited
Established over 100 years ago, unilever u.k. central resources limited is one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies. They are known for great brands that operate in five Business areas, each with a clear vision laddering up to their purpose. The Unilever R&D Port Sunlight department is involved in SURFs UP.

Ajinomoto OmniChem
Ajinomoto OmniChem is comprised of affiliated companies that provide innovative development and manufacturing solutions to meet customers’ needs, from pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals to personal care, health and nutrition and food & beverages. Ajinomoto OmniChem’s goal is to create value for society by engaging in initiatives to resolve social issues and improve economic value. The Agro BU department is involved in SURFs UP.

Ecover co-ordination center
Ecover co-ordination center is on a mission to lead a clean world revolution, they’re redefining clean for the 21st century, products, clean homes, clean values. Leading by example and making sure try to operate transparently, they inspire people to make their world that little bit cleaner.

Consorzio Italbiotec
Italbiotec is the leading Italian non-profit organisation in the biotechnology sector, bringing together academic and industry excellence in Life Science, Agrofood, and Bioeconomy. It leads scientific development and virtuous knowledge transfer to shape a cutting-edge innovation ecosystem driven by biotechnology start-ups, companies, and universities, where cooperation and knowledge exchange trigger growth and sustainable innovation.

Acondicionamiento tarrasense asociación
Leitat researches and innovates to transform emerging technological challenges into solutions of high social, environmental, economic and industrial value. They work with the conviction that technological innovation will be key to achieving a sustainable and equitable model of progress. With a vast knowledge in different areas such as health & biomedicine, energy & engineering, circular economy and applied chemistry they look into setting a benchmark for the management of innovative technologies.