On August 25-28, the world's eyes will be on Sundsvall and Västernorrland when EPNOE's 9th International Polysaccharide Conference brings together around 330 researchers, companies and innovators from around the world. EPNOE is one of the world's most influential forums for the development of bio-based materials. The ideas and collaborations born here can impact the entire industry globally for years to come.
The fact that Mid Sweden University and the FSCN research center are hosting EPNOE 2025 is proof that the region is among the world leaders in research on bio-based materials. Solutions are being developed that can replace plastic in packaging, create new textile fibers from cellulose and build lighter, stronger materials for the vehicles and buildings of the future.
The world is facing an urgent need to replace plastics and fossil raw materials with sustainable alternatives. Forests are one of our most valuable and renewable resources, but unlocking their full potential requires more than groundbreaking research. It requires collaboration between academia and industry. Here, Västernorrland can showcase a unique model for how new knowledge can be transformed into solutions that both strengthen competitiveness and contribute to sustainable social development.
From lab to global market
For BizMaker, EPNOE 2025 is an opportunity to demonstrate how innovation support and business development can accelerate research results to market. Through close collaboration with Mid Sweden University and regional companies, BizMaker is building a bridge between the research community and entrepreneurs to enable more ideas to become businesses, jobs and solutions to global challenges.
On stage, Pelle Berglund, Business Developer at BizMaker, will present the Forest Business Accelerator, a business development program for startups in the bioeconomy, often stemming from research. The program provides entrepreneurs with the tools, networks and resources needed to go from idea to international market.
- We see the enormous power that is unleashed when research ideas meet the pace and needs of business. The Forest Business Accelerator gives startups the opportunity to turn advanced research into commercial solutions that both drive business value and accelerate the green transition. We have seen ideas grow from lab prototypes to international products in just a few years," says Pelle Berglund, Business Developer at BizMaker.
An ecosystem in motion
Västernorrland is already a place where research breakthroughs turn into businesses and jobs. EPNOE 2025 puts the spotlight on a fast-growing ecosystem where world-leading research and entrepreneurship meet to create concrete solutions to some of the biggest climate and resource challenges of our time.
Date: August 25-28, 2025
Location:Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall & Tonhallen
Contact
Pelle Berglund, Business Developer BizMaker
073 847 94 24, pelle.berglund@bizmaker.se
