From idea to test – how more companies can take the next step in biorefining

Interest in biorefining and new ways of utilizing side streams from seafood, algae, and other biomass is growing. The potential is huge—but for many companies, the step from idea to practical testing is a hurdle. What can actually be done with the raw material? What is worth investing in? And where do you start?

The NILLA project is working to make this path clearer and more accessible. The goal was to create a national innovation system where companies can more easily find the right support, the right test environment, and the right next step—no matter where they are in the country.

Test environment as a bridge between lab and reality

For companies that want to develop new products or processes, the ability to test in a pilot environment is often crucial. In a test environment, it is possible to work with larger volumes, see how the raw material behaves in practice, and obtain answers that cannot be obtained in a lab.

Within the NILLA project, we have had access to Chalmers' test bed for bioprocessing in Ellös. The focus there is on processing and separating different types of blue biomass into higher-value products in a way that resembles real production conditions. This can involve, for example, grinding, mixing, and extracting ingredients, the latter by dividing the raw material into different fractions—such as a solid phase and a liquid—to investigate how these can then be further refined.

"If you look closely at the content of different marine biomasses, you will see that there is a treasure trove of exciting substances to be extracted. These can then have broad applications in areas such as food, materials, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, " says Ingrid Undeland, professor of food science at Chalmers University of Technology.

The point is not to test "everything," but to give companies the opportunity to try out exactly what is relevant to their idea.

In the test environment on the west coast, several players have already conducted pilot trials to investigate how more of the raw material can be utilized and developed into new products.

An easier way in – regardless of your starting point
A recurring question from companies is where to start. Not everyone has a ready-made process or a clear goal from the outset. Sometimes there is a raw material, sometimes an idea – but not always a plan.
This is where NILLA's working method and the new digital tool NillAI play an important role. The idea has been to enable companies to describe their needs, get help sorting through the options, and also move forward in their process. Questions such as: Is a preliminary study needed? Is it time for testing in a pilot environment? Or is there other advice that is more relevant right now? Helping companies on the right path. In this way, resources can be used more accurately – both for the companies and for the test environments.

Lower thresholds for testing and development
The cost of testing in a pilot environment can be a barrier, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. NILLA is therefore investigating various forms of so-called test and innovation vouchers, where the company shares the cost with public funding. Discussions point to levels that make it possible to "come and try," rather than having to take large financial risks right away. The aim is to enable more ideas to be tested—and for more people to dare to take the plunge.

For companies wishing to explore the value of their biomass, the initial test is often crucial. When thresholds are lowered, more decisions become possible—and more business opportunities can emerge.

Focus on benefits and the next step
What unites the work within NILLA is a clear focus on benefits. The tests should provide concrete answers, create learning and help companies move forward in their decisions. Sometimes this leads to the next test, sometimes to a development project – and sometimes to the realization that an idea is not the right way to go. That too is a valuable result.
For Innovatum Science Park, the commitment is about strengthening companies' opportunities to develop, scale up, and position themselves in new value chains.

For companies wishing to explore the value of their biomass, the initial test is often crucial. When thresholds are lowered, more decisions become possible—and more business opportunities can emerge.

Read more about the NILLA project