Wednesday, September 30, 2026

15:15 - 16:00

SPEAKERS' CORNER 2: NICOLÁS ACHÚCARRO

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Overview

Sponsor: PNO INNOVATION

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Details

The European Union has positioned the bioeconomy as a cornerstone of its competitiveness, sustainability, and strategic autonomy agenda. The recently launched Strategy for a Competitive and Sustainable EU Bioeconomy seeks to accelerate the transition from innovation to industrial deployment by removing regulatory barriers, scaling investment, creating lead markets for bio-based solutions, and strengthening sustainable biomass value chains. This roundtable will explore how Europe's new policy framework can translate into growth opportunities for biotechnology companies, investors, industrial partners, and regional innovation ecosystems. Discussions will focus on the practical implications of the strategy's four pillars: accelerating innovation and scale-up, developing markets for bio-based products and technologies, securing sustainable feedstocks and circular value chains, and strengthening Europe's global leadership in the bioeconomy. Bringing together representatives from industry, policymakers, investors, and innovation organizations, the session will examine the actions needed to move bio-based innovations from the laboratory to commercial deployment. Particular attention will be given to regulatory modernization, industrial financing, public procurement, advanced biomanufacturing, and the creation of demand for sustainable bio-based solutions. As Europe seeks to build resilient value chains and reduce dependence on fossil-based resources, this discussion will highlight how biotechnology can become a key driver of industrial transformation, economic growth, and environmental sustainability across the continent.