The eighth round of BizMakers Forest Business Accelerator, a program that has so far attracted 54 companies with forest innovations to Västernorrland, is now underway.
-"We act as the catalyst that connects startups with the right networks, opening doors and creating opportunities for sustainable solutions," says Pelle Berglund, Business Advisor at BizMaker and Project Manager of the Forest Business Accelerator.
This year's edition has a strong focus on circularity and industrial symbiosis. Participants will present solutions ranging from natural paints to innovative air purification filters, demonstrating a business model where companies and industries work together to transform one's waste into another's resource.
"Over the years, the Forest Business Accelerator has been fine-tuned to better meet the needs of future sustainable entrepreneurs," says Pelle Berglund. The link to the circular economy and the role of companies in the green transition in general is becoming increasingly clear.
Five startups, in collaboration with BizMaker, SCA, RISE and IBM, will work on their business models with the aim of quickly reaching the market. The focus is on innovations that combine forest resources with digitization into sustainable solutions.
- "We have a digital tool for residual materials and residual streams. The program feels very hands-on and with a focus on the business so it feels very valuable to sit down with potential partner companies and customers and get input and insights from their perspective, says Daniel Pluntky, CEO of Collecct.
The program offers excellence and resources in research, business development and digitalization for forest-related concepts, and has proven successful in fostering collaborations that benefit both startups and the forest industry.
-"It will be interesting to work with this year's participants in the accelerator. As organizers of the accelerator, we help young companies develop their business to meet the real needs of the market. SCA and other program managers also benefit from this in the long run, in addition to getting a lot of thought-provoking input from the companies," says Hans Johansson, Senior Research Specialist at SCA R&D Centre.
Participants in fall 2024
Allogro - Develops horticultural products from forest industry residues, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions.
Alder Olmai Supernatural Colours - Creates natural colors from forest residues.
Algorithm Energy - Develops software solutions for advanced wind energy management.
Adsorbents - Cellulose-based materials that trap air pollutants, reducing the climate impact of air purification.
Collecct-A digital platform gives users control of waste and residual materials.
Contact
Pelle Berglund, Business Advisor and Head of Forest Business Accelerator at BizMaker
073 847 94 24, pelle.berglund@bizmaker.se
Hans Johansson, Senior Specialist at SCA
hans.johansson.research@sca.com
