Only start-ups with a revolutionary product receive a grant
According to the Research Council of Lithuania, the Horizon Europe EIC Accelerator program is only open to start-ups that develop an innovative, revolutionary product that can create new markets or replace existing ones in Europe or even globally.
In order to get funding, the research team (Dr. T. Paulauskienė, Dr. M. Kataržytė, and Dr. Jochen Uebe, KU researcher assisting in the development of the idea) had to go through a three-phase evaluation process that lasted almost a year. The last one was an interview with authoritative experts in Brussels.
Of the many applicants, almost 1,000 made it to the second round of the evaluation, while three times fewer were invited for an interview. The final verdict of the experts was that 70 companies, including Inobiostar, were awarded funding.
“In Horizon Europe, the top-level funding program for research and innovation, we are not only receiving funding, but we are becoming part of the European Deep Tech startup ecosystem. This will give us access to support and advice from experts in various fields, and will put our company and its products on the European Commission’s database. This means that we will be able to access additional investment much more easily when needed. In addition, we will have the opportunity to participate in international exhibitions together with the European Commission and to present our product on the market,” says Dr. T. Paulauskienė, biotechnology developer and CEO of Inobiostar.
According to the researcher Dr. M. Kataržytė, the grant is one of the biggest and most significant rewards and incentives for innovators.
“At least for us, as European researchers, receiving significant funding from the Horizon Europe program is an achievement of the highest level. It shows that our research and ideas are relevant and competitive with those of other researchers in the European Union,” says excitedly Dr. M. Kataržytė, biotechnology developer.
First university spin-off in Lithuania to receive such funding
To successfully navigate the three phases of the Horizon Europe program and the evaluation by 13 commissioners, KU research team was supported by consultations with various experts, including the National Contact Point (NCP) of the Research Council of Lithuania. They not only helped the biotech developers with administrative issues, but also advised them on how to write a comprehensive application that meets the objectives of the program.
“I am personally delighted to see success stories in science and innovation emerging in Lithuania. Winning funding from one of the most prestigious European Innovation Council programs is not only a great recognition, but also a strong signal that talented researchers in our country are increasingly coming up with scientifically sound innovation ideas and solutions that can compete successfully in the international arena. It is particularly encouraging that Klaipėda University, which is growing very dynamically, is gaining momentum in the international science and innovation space. I have no doubt that the innovation ecosystem that is emerging around our country’s seaside university will become a new talent hub, which in the near future will be a source of new scientific discoveries and high added-value technology solutions. I would like this success story of two talented KU scientists to become an inspiring example for other young scientists and students, showing that scientific knowledge, youthful energy, and persistent work always create innovations that positively change our lives and ensure a harmonious relationship between society and nature. Finally, the achievement of KU start-up is another great proof that Lithuanian universities have a huge potential for science and innovation, which can open up new opportunities for the sustainable growth of our country’s economy and the well-being of its citizens,” says Dr. Gintaras Valinčius, Chairman of the Research Council of Lithuania.
According to the representatives of the Research Council of Lithuania, there are not many such cases when Lithuanian companies are funded by EIC Accelerator under the Horizon Europe program framework. For example, there are four such cases in 2024. Inobiostar is the first Lithuanian spin-off company to receive a grant under this program.
Pilot production and important market developments are planned
The funding will be used to set up and run a pilot production line for an aerogel with oil-degrading micro-organisms. The production of such a pilot plant will allow the neutralization of around 50 tons of oil spills per year, but this is not the only option.
“The aerogel can be used not only for the recovery of oil spills, but also for wastewater treatment and as an insulation material. The shape and composition of the aerogel can be tailored to the needs of a specific customer, so we will aim to use the infrastructure to develop and prototype other innovative products,” explains Dr. T. Paulauskienė.
Prof. Dr. Artūras Razbadauskas, KU Rector, is proud that the exceptional blue biotechnology, which promises an ecological breakthrough, has been recognized in the prestigious funding program for research and innovation. He hopes that the benefits of the financial support will in time be felt not only by KU scientists, but also by the population and business representatives in a global sense.
“Today’s world is full of environmental disasters, polluting businesses, and other climate conundrums. We feel excited and hope that the financial support we have received will significantly accelerate commercializing and bringing to market of the outstanding biotechnology. Investment in innovations that promise big and important changes have a high return on investment for society. Biotechnology, which enables more efficient capture and neutralization of petroleum products without the use of synthetic materials, is a serious and important element of a sustainable blue economy,” Prof. Dr. Artūras Razbadauskas, Rector of KU, celebrates the achievements of scientists.
Klaipėda State Seaport Authority, with which Klaipėda University and Inobiostar have signed a tripartite cooperation agreement, has contributed to the further development of blue biotechnology and the testing of initial prototypes. Algis Latakas, Director General at Klaipėda State Seaport Authority, congratulates the researchers and hopes that, with the funding, this innovative product will see the light of day sooner.
“Keeping port activities as environmentally friendly as possible is our priority. Every day, as we plan and implement port modernization projects, we think about introducing additional environmentally friendly solutions. The fight against pollution in the port area is no exception. We are looking for solutions that are not only innovative, but also sustainable, such as the product developed by Klaipėda University scientists”, says Algis Latakas, Director General at Klaipėda State Seaport Authority.
Although production of the environmentally friendly sorbent, an aerogel with oil-degrading micro-organisms, has not yet started, Inobiostar has already signed 14 cooperation agreements, including with the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM), which has as one of its main objectives to stop and eradicate pollution in the Baltic Sea. Under a prior agreement, the Commission will advise Inobiostar on the appropriate use of the innovation in the Baltic Sea.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Sport as well as the Ministry of Economy and Innovation have contributed to obtaining Horizon Europe EIC Accelerator funding. Lithuania has transferred EUR 18.5 million from the EU Investment Fund 2021-2027 to the Horizon Europe to support the participation of the country’s scientists and businesses in international projects. One of them is KU spin-off company Inobiostar, whose biotechnology has been highly commended in the program and awarded the Seal of Excellence quality label.
About Inobiostar
Inobiostar, a spin-off company of Klaipeda University, was established in 2020. The fast-growing company provides research and experimental development as well as consulting services in the field of clean technologies.
Between 2021 and 2022, Inobiostar, together with Klaipėda University, carried out InoBioTech Baltija project to develop biotechnology for the treatment of oil pollutants.
In 2022, Inobiostar became a member of the Cleantech Cluster Lithuania.
In 2023, Inobiostar won EUR 75,000 grant from the European Union’s initiative Women TechEU, and at the end of the year the biotech was granted a European Union patent.
In 2023, Dr. Tatjana Paulauskienė, KU researcher and CEO of Inobiostar, became a winner of the ecology prize awarded by the Valdas Adamkus Presidential Library-Museum and the Dana Gedvilienė Fund.
More information on Lithuania’s funding for researchers and businesses to participate in international projects: https://finmin.lrv.lt/lt/naujienos/lietuva-skiria-18-5-mln-euru-lietuvos-mokslo-ir-verslo-proverziui-europos-horizonte/
