RISE, the Research Institute of Sweden, has opened its new pilot hall in Örnsköldsvik. Offering a place where companies and researchers can test new technology and novel bio-based materials, the facilities open new possibilities for the bioeconomy industry.
The pilot hall is part of the Bioeconomy Arena and located close to the forestry industries of Örnsköldsvik. Using primarily residual streams from forestry, researchers and companies in the pilot hall will explore new possibilities in a wide range of applications, from bio-based packaging materials to foodtech applications such as single-cell proteins.
A large part of the infrastructure is approved for food-grade processing, with powerful bioreactors and screening instruments that simplify identification of new, bioreactive organisms that can be used for example in protein production.
– Foodtech companies get a great opportunity to test and verify new products in a research environment. The test beds enhance our region’s appeal and encourages even more foodtech companies to establish themselves here, says Bengt Högberg, investment advisor at High Coast Invest.
In addition to testing and verification, Bioeconomy Arena offers end-to-end support for upscaling, including business development and life cycle assessment.
The pilot hall is open for researchers, established businesses and startups with ideas in the bioeconomy field. With a flexible offering of test beds, companies can quickly catch speed without having to finance, build and apply for necessary permits themselves.
– Bioeconomy Arena and the new pilot hall is a great asset for the region that enables upscaling of innovative ideas and businesses. It complements our bio-based cluster and allows the region to support companies from idea all the way to full establishment, says Maja Ulander, investment advisor at High Coast Invest.
More about the Bioeconomy Arena
The full range of offering areas include:
- Biobased electronics and energy storage
- Biobased materials
- Biofuels
- Biochemicals
- Sustainable packaging
- Industrial biotechnology
- Chemical and thermos-chemical processes
