On April 9–10, 2025, the BioLaMer Project consortium gathered in the Ravenna, Italy, for its Second Annual Meeting. Hosted by the University of Bologna (Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna) at its Ravenna Campus, the meeting brought together enthusiastic researchers, SME partners, and innovation experts with an objective to review project’s progress, align their goals, and strengthen collaboration.
About the Project:
Funded by the EIC Pathfinder Open under Grant Agreement No. 101099487, the BioLaMer Project is driving sustainable innovations in the circular bioeconomy, with a strong focus on addressing food waste and plastic pollution problems at the same time. By using food waste as a feedstock for Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae, the project converts food waste into valuable larvae shells and biomass. These larvae materials are then used to produce biopolymers such as chitosan and polyhydroxyalkanoates, and value-added bioplastics, offering a renewable alternative to the traditional plastics.
Setting the Stage – Steering Board:
The meeting kicked off with a Steering Board session, where the team leaders reviewed the current status of the project, assessed the potential risks, and discussed mitigation strategies. This session helped setting a clear direction for the two days ahead.
Research Highlights and Technical Presentations:
The two days featured a series of engaging presentations across multiple work packages, highlighting exciting advances and research outcomes. Partners presented their contributions and findings, sparking constructive group discussions and knowledge sharing:
- TransfoLAB BCN – Valorisation of food waste to larvae.
- AMBER Centre, Trinity College Dublin – Chitosan Production from BSF Larvae shells and the development of value-added bioplastic materials.
- NOVAID (Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa) – Valorisation of larvae through pre-treatment and PHA production.
- University of Bologna and AquaInSilico – Environmental Performance Assessment and Life Cycle Costing.
- NOVAID FCT (Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa) – Process Digitalisation by Machine learning & Hybrid methods.
- Universidade Lusófona – Centro Universitário Lisboa – Market opportunities & Barriers including consumer acceptance of biopolymer plastic production.
- SocLineTech Solutions & Services – Communication, Dissemination & Exploitation Actions strategies to maximise public engagement and stakeholder reach.
Scientific Innovation Advisory Board (SIAB):
One of the highlights of the second day was the meeting of the Scientific Innovation Advisory Board (SIAB), where experts such as Neil Crabb – Frontier IP group plc, Filippo Baioli – Certimac Materials Energy Sustainability, and Stefano Longo – Gruppo Hera offered valuable feedback and strategic guidance. Their contributions play a crucial role in shaping the project’s long-term innovation potential and practical relevance.
Appreciation to our Host:
The success of the meeting was made possible thanks to the outstanding organization and warm hospitality of our host team. We extend our sincere gratitude to our partners Prof Serena Righi, Floriana Coppola, and Shamraiz Ahmad from the University of Bologna for fostering a productive and welcoming environment for all participants. A special highlight was the networking dinner in the heart of Ravenna, which offered a wonderful opportunity for collaboration over exceptional Italian cuisine.
Looking Ahead
The Second Annual Meeting reaffirmed the strong progress and collaborative spirit driving the BioLaMer Project. As we look ahead, our commitment remains steadfast: to deliver impactful, sustainable innovations that make a meaningful contribution to Europe’s circular bioeconomy.
