BIO360 2025: SCALE-UP to Showcase Breakthrough Bioeconomy Innovations, Driving Europe’s Green Transition

As Europe strides toward a greener future, the SCALE-UP project stands at the forefront of transforming rural economies and agricultural by-products into high-value, sustainable products. On February 5 and 6, 2025, SCALE-UP will take center stage at BIO360 in Nantes, demonstrating how innovative bio-based solutions can enrich rural communities, accelerate Europe’s green transition, and turn once-overlooked residues into valuable, market-ready commodities.

SCALE-UP at BIO360: Stand G28
Throughout both days of the event, attendees are invited to connect with the SCALE-UP team at Stand G28, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. This hands-on hub will offer insights into how SCALE-UP, a Horizon Europe initiative, guides entrepreneurs, farmers, and innovators in tapping into the hidden potential of agricultural co-products. Visitors will learn about cutting-edge methods for crafting biochar and biopolymers from olive residues, producing high-quality insulation from hemp and straw, and even transforming apple pomace into nutritious, functional foods.

Engage directly with the experts who are translating theory into practice—identifying market opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, and building resilient supply chains that enhance rural livelihoods while protecting the environment. SCALE-UP’s network brings together a range of stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, researchers, and policy advisers, to ensure that good ideas don’t just stay on paper but become realities that spur economic growth and ecological well-being.

Don’t Miss the SCALE-UP Conference: 6 February (10:00–11:00 a.m.)
For a deeper dive, attend the SCALE-UP conference on February 6 in the Circular conference room, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Here, five pioneering entrepreneurs from France, Spain, and Poland will share their personal journeys. Their stories revolve around turning simple raw materials—hemp, straw, olive pruning residues, and apple by-products—into solutions such as eco-friendly building materials, biochar, biopolymers, and specialty food ingredients.

These entrepreneurs will discuss how they navigate the path from innovative ideas to full-scale commercialization, exploring challenges like market access, consumer acceptance, and regulatory frameworks. Moderated by SCALE-UP experts, the session will highlight real-world problem-solving, strategic business development, and the invaluable support that initiatives like SCALE-UP provide as these trailblazers open doors to Europe’s sustainable future.

Why SCALE-UP Matters
At a time when the agricultural sector faces increasing pressures to reduce waste and lower its carbon footprint, SCALE-UP’s approach exemplifies how innovation can be both profitable and principled. By identifying and nurturing start-ups and SMEs that valorize by-products, SCALE-UP empowers rural communities to diversify income streams, adapt to new market realities, and minimize their environmental impact. These solutions aren’t just incremental improvements; they’re catalysts for creating a circular bioeconomy that resonates across European regions.

Join the Conversation at BIO360 2025
BIO360 provides the perfect stage for SCALE-UP to share successes, forge new collaborations, and inspire the next wave of bio-based entrepreneurship. Whether you’re an investor, researcher, producer, or policy influencer, your participation at Stand G28 and the SCALE-UP conference can open new avenues for sustainable growth. By bridging the gap between local resources and global markets, SCALE-UP proves that Europe’s bioeconomy is not only a vision for the future—but a tangible, thriving reality we can all help shape today.

Take a quick look at the programme here.