New BioBase4SME Workshop offers bio-innovation support to SMEs

The theme of the afternoon is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of biobased products or processes. Delegates will learn why it’s important to conduct an LCA of their products or processes even when these are biobased (e.g. natural products, biotech process, bioplastics).
Companies with experience in performing an LCA will talk about the benefits of using the methodology. Furthermore, the workshop will be a good opportunity to learn about the services offered by MATERIA NOVA offers and how these can be accessed by SMEs or startups via the BioBase4SME Innovation Coupon scheme. Under this scheme, coupons worth €8,000 – € 25,000 are made available to eligible SMEs.
The afternoon will close with a cocktail gathering, providing participants and entrepreneurs opportunity to meet and talk. Participation is free but registration is mandatory.

Established in 2001, Materia Nova (Material research and development centre) is operating as an autonomous non-profit organisation and aims at bridging the gap between fundamental research and industrial developments. The centre employs 85 multidisciplinary, highly qualified researchers, most of them with a PhD, as well as engineers specialised in biotechnology, life cycle assessment, (bio)polymer engineering, biomaterials (synthesis-compounding-biodegradation), surface treatments…

The YCLA department focusses on performing environmental assessment through the complete product life cycle (Life Cycle Assessment or LCA) and is involved in most of the Materia Nova R&D projects. From an early stage on, they help researchers and engineers to make sound economic and environmental choices during product/process developments. The team has access to the expertise of all Materia Nova departments, true added value when assessing products and processes or finding alternatives for clients! The team has performed numerous assessments working on Regional and European collaborative projects as well as in bilateral modus with companies of which some will be presenting during the workshop.

The workshop will also provide information on the BioBase4SME innovation coupon scheme and other support mechanisms the project offers to SMEs and start-ups innovating in the biobased economy. The LCA service of Materia Nova is one of the many services that can be accessed by SMEs and start-ups via this coupon system.

For more information on the workshop and registration: http://www.nweurope.eu/projects/project-search/bio-innovation-support-for-entrepreneurs-throughout-nwe-regions/events

or contact Guillaume Wegria, tel: +32 (0)484 139007, guillaume.wegria@materianova.be.