RVO Netherlands is organizing an innovation mission to Brazil in the field of bio-raw materials for chemicals from 11 to 15 December. The mission is interesting for companies that develop innovative ways to produce building blocks for the chemical industry from biomass and want to build or strengthen contacts with Brazilian knowledge parties, companies and governments.
This innovation mission brings together Brazilian and Dutch parties (companies, knowledge institutions and governments) in the areas of:
- circular and sustainable bio-raw materials, also through recycling bio-based materials;
- integrated biorefineries;
- innovations for biobased chemical building blocks, biopolymers and biofuels;
- policies to stimulate the bioeconomy including project financing.
Brazil is a world leader in the production and use of biomass. Consider, among other things, ethanol from sugar cane that is used as fuel for cars. Part of the agri-industrial complex in Brazil is a strong innovation cluster in the field of biochemistry and biorefinery. With knowledge of the upgrading and efficient use of biomass for, among other things, the production of biopolymers for existing and new materials.
Collaboration
The Netherlands and Brazil have a long-term collaboration in the field of biomass as a raw material for the economy. Prime Minister Mark Rutte's recent visit to Brazil has put bio-raw materials at the top of the bilateral agenda. The Top Sector Chemistry has also designated Brazil as a priority country for cooperation in the field of bio-raw materials for chemical products with maximum added value. Figurehead of the Chemistry Top Sector Jacqueline Vaessen and the Chemistry top team are participating in the mission. This is part of a multi-year collaboration process that is in line with the priorities of:
- the Top Sector Chemistry;
- the National Growth Fund proposal BioBased Circular;
- the Mission Innovation program for Integrated Biorefineries.
During the mission, leading Brazilian research institutions, companies and (semi-)governments will be visited, such as:
- the universities of São Paulo and Campinas;
- the federal research facility for biologically renewable raw materials CNPEM;
- research funder FAPESP;
- various companies such as Braskem and Raízen.
Financiering
Immediately after the mission, a subsidy option for Dutch-Brazilian research and innovation projects in the field of circular bioeconomy, including thanks to a GlobalStars call that will open soon (with deadline April 2, 2024).
The aim of the call is to bring together research and industry partners from the Netherlands and Brazil who are active in this field. NWO and FAPESP are currently preparing a 'call for proposals' through a partnership in the Dutch Knowledge and Innovation Covenant (KIC) 2020-2023 programme. The call is aimed at financing projects on efficient and sustainable use of biomass to enable a raw materials transition in the chemical sector and close the carbon loop for materials in a circular economy.
For more information and to register, visit website of RVO Netherlands.
Source: Agro-Chemistry
