Women entrepeneurs from CEEI-Burgos visit Finnova’s offices in Brussels to talk about European funds and projects such as LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0
30/05/2023, Brussels. A team from the Finnova Foundation formed by Patricia Tejada, EU Projects Manager, and Amaia Cardaño, from the Communication Department, have presented today, Tuesday 30th May in Brussels different types of European funds and projects to a group of women entrepreneurs from the European Business and Innovation Centre of Burgos (CEEI-Burgos). The twelve women have known the LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 project, GIRLS4TECH challenge LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 and the new LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 SEUA call. LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 is a LIFE co-funded project to generate biogas in anaerobic digesters of water treatment plants by mixing putrescible organic waste (slurry, poultry, organic fractions, MSW, HORECA, etc.). This initiative is led by Global Omnium (Spain), in collaboration with the Finnova Foundation (Belgium) and Águas do Centro Litoral (Portugal). The GIRLS4TECH challenge LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 was a Finnova Challenge Technovation Girls 2021 Challenge, where the winners were inspired by this LIFE project to create the Comen 2.0 app, which linked the HORECA sector with the water treatment plants for the reuse of organic waste, thus providing a solution to the sustainable water and energy challenge. As part of the presentation, mention was made of the LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 SEUA, a new call for Startup Europe Awards, which seeks startups or proposals that provide innovative solutions to the challenges of ecological transition, energy efficiency and the fight against climate change. The awards ceremony will take place on 21 September at an event at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga (FYCMA) held within the framework of Greencities and S-Moving. As part of the presentation, mention was made of the LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 SEUA, a new call for Startup Europe Awards, which seeks startups or proposals that provide innovative solutions to the challenges of ecological transition, energy efficiency and the fight against climate change. The awards ceremony will take place on 21 September at an event at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga (FYCMA) held within the framework of Greencities and S-Moving. About the European Business and Innovation Centre of Burgos The European Business and Innovation Centre of Burgos (CEEI-Burgos) is a reception and assistance centre that supports and promotes business projects arising from the entrepreneurial spirit of the people of Burgos. It was created in 1994 as a specialised instrument at the service of local development under the model, quality criteria and sponsorship of the European Commission and regional and local institutions. The CEEI belongs to the European Association of CEEIs, EBN, Euroean Business and Innovation Center Network and ANCES, among others. About Startup Europe Awards The Startup Europe Awards (SEUA) is an initiative promoted by the European Commission, launched by the Finnova Foundation in collaboration with StartUp Europe. It is an open innovation tool that allows companies to identify talented startups capable of solving today’s challenges in multiple areas. Its mission is to help Startups and Scaleups become more efficient, smarter, and more successful. These awards are a useful tool to promote knowledge sharing, add value to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and help startups to grow and position themselves in the market. About LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 This is a pilot demonstration project, funded by the LIFE programme and with a budget of more than 970,000 euros, which generates biogas in sewage treatment plant digesters by mixing putrescible organic waste (slurry, poultry, organic fractions, MSW, horeca, etc.), thus transforming sewage sludge into green energy through technology. The initiative led by Global Omnium, (Spain), in collaboration with the Finnova Foundation (Belgium) and Águas do Centro Litoral (Portugal) aims to become the most versatile digestion control tool on the market, achieving environmental and economic benefits through the production of biogas by making optimal use of waste. Thanks to this technology, it favours the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the use of sewage sludge generated in wastewater treatment processes, thus achieving a positive impact on the environment. This programme is easily scalable with other funds such as FEDER, NextGenerationEU or Repower EU. About Finnova Foundation Finnova is the Spanish-Belgian non-profit foundation based in Brussels and Spain, working for the promotion and development of innovation and entrepreneurship in the EU. Finnova’s experience in leading communication and dissemination activities for European projects is combined with a proven track record in business creation and entrepreneurship support programmes, such as accelerators, incubators and events, as well as its commitment to training and employability of young people.
The LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 project will organise one of the side events of the European Green Week to Exchange best practices on energy transition
26/05/2023, Valencia. Next Thursday, June 8th from 10:00 to 12:00 CEST, the European project LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0, of which Finnova Foundation is a partner, will hold a hybrid event, face-to-face at GoHub in Valencia and online, entitled “LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 – Synergies towards greener communities” in the framework of the European Commission’s European Green Week. The aim of this meeting is to bring together experts and representatives of European projects to exchange best practices and tools to promote sustainable energy transition. The event will be opened by Victor Vercher, CFO of GoHub, and moderated by Adrian Noheda, Director of Innovation and Environment of the Finnova Foundation. The first block, on best practices and success stories, will be led by two of the partner organisations of the LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 project: Elías Colom, Corporate Marketing Director of Global Omnium, and Juanma Revuelta, CEO of the Finnova Foundation. In the next panel, experts and representatives of European projects will participate such as Sandra Jorge, Director of Water Supply Operation of Águas do Centro Litoral; Victor Vercher, CFO of GoHub; Rafael Mossi, coordinator of the Competitiveness Department of the Valencia Chamber of Commerce; Mª Loreto Fenollosa, deputy director of the School of Agricultural, Food and Biosystems Engineering; Pieter de Jong, European representative for Wetsus and WaterCampus; Jorge Garcés, director of Polibienestar at the University of Valencia; and Miguel Ángel Suárez, PhD in Chemical Engineering and R&D technician at the Energy and Environment Technology Centre (CETENMA). Lola Bordás, CMO of the Finnova Foundation and director of Women4Tech, will be responsible for opening the next block on Girls4Tech challenge LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 and the new call for LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 SEUA, where she will announce the members of the jury. On behalf of the jury, the event will be attended in person by Elías Colom, Corporate Marketing Director of Global Omnium, and remotely by Mark Barker, CEO of Wex Global, and João Simão, Executive Director of the Portuguese Water Partnership (PWP). These Startup Europe Awards are looking for startups that provide innovative solutions to the challenges of ecological transition, energy efficiency and the fight against climate change. The awards ceremony will take place on 21 September in the framework of Greencities and S-Moving at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos (FYCMA) and the registration of proposals will remain open until 31 July via this link. The successful candidate will benefit from a European acceleration ticket, consisting of training in legislation and European funds, mentoring to turn the idea into a real demonstration project such as Horizon Europe or Life, subsidised by the EU with up to 5 million euros per project. Startups awarded in other competitions have obtained subsidies for their internationalisation – up to 2.5 million through the EIC programme – or access to grants such as Erasmus entrepreneurs or registration of trademarks and patents. They will also have access to a networking network and investors with whom they will learn best practices in the management of relationships within the EU framework and will receive advice on the European legal framework and the internationalisation of the project. Those interested in this event organised by LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0, can register here to attend in person or click here to watch the webcast. About the European Green Week The European Green Week is an annual opportunity to discuss European environmental policy with policy makers, leading environmentalists and stakeholders from Europe and beyond. Side events organised in the framework of this week, under the theme “Delivering a net-zero world” will take place from Saturday, 3 June to Sunday, 11 June 2023. About LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 This is a pilot demonstration project, funded by the LIFE programme and with a budget of more than 970,000 euros, which generates biogas in sewage treatment plant digesters by mixing putrescible organic waste (slurry, poultry, organic fractions, MSW, horeca, etc.), thus transforming sewage sludge into green energy through technology. The initiative led by Global Omnium, (Spain), in collaboration with the Finnova Foundation (Belgium) and Águas do Centro Litoral (Portugal) aims to become the most versatile digestion control tool on the market, achieving environmental and economic benefits through the production of biogas by making optimal use of waste. Thanks to this technology, it favours the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the use of sewage sludge generated in wastewater treatment processes, thus achieving a positive impact on the environment. This programme is easily scalable with other funds such as FEDER, NextGenerationEU or Repower EU. About GoHub GoHub, founded in 2019 as a €30 million investment fund, is the Corporate Venturing arm of Global Omnium. GoHub invests in B2B SaaS solutions to improve process automation and is committed to technologies based on advanced engineering such as applied AI, augmented reality, edge computing, 5G, No Code, cybersecurity, quantum, etc. Moreover, present on four continents and with seven million customers, they have already identified and supported a total of 25 startups. About Global Omnium The Global Omnium Group is a national and international benchmark specialising in the different processes of the Integrated Water Cycle. With more than 130 years of experience, the Group is present in 15 Spanish Autonomous Communities, the United States, Africa and the Middle East. It currently groups 25 specialised companies, 13 participating firms and 56 UTEs in different areas related to water management, engineering and the environment. The Global Omnium Group manages a total of 28 drinking water treatment plants, 308 wastewater treatment facilities, 25 septic tanks, 155 external pumping stations and 2 sludge facilities in Spain. About Águas do Centro Litoral Águas do Centro Litoral is a Multi-municipal Water Supply and Sanitation System for the Centro Litoral of Portugal, which covers the collection, treatment and supply of water for public consumption and the collection, treatment and rejection of domestic and urban effluents and the reception of effluents from the cleaning of septic tanks. Águas do Centro Litoral covers a geographical area of 5,485 km2 and its main activity is water supply and wastewater treatment. Other activities such as water quality
The LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 project presented at the final Technovation Girls CV through the Finnova Challenges 2023
24/05/2023, Valencia. Last Saturday, 20th May, Finnova Foundation participated in the final Technovation Girls CV, held at the Universitat Politécnica de València, through the Finnova Challenges. The European project LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 was presented as an example of a challenge in this edition. These awards aim to bring European institutions closer to young people and link current innovative projects funded by the EU in which the Foundation participates as a partner. The awards ceremony was presided over by Julissa Reynoso, US Ambassador to Spain, and José Esteban Capilla, Rector of the Universitat Politécnicca de València, who presented the Technovation Girls Comunitat Valenciana. From the FINNOVA CHALLENGES the winning team was FIREPOINT, a fire detection app that allows users to send a photo of a smoke plume with coordinates to firefighters, and the other winning teams of the Technovation Girls CV competition: The Three Minions, The Leaders of Tomorrow, Mavajuma Power, Technoamigas, Spoonful of Sugar. “The Finnova Foundation’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is evident in these challenges that we are launching to encourage young people, and girls, to work for a more sustainable world, using new technologies. We are very proud to be part of this initiative that seeks to train girls in STEAM through Technovation Girls Finnova Challenges and motivate girls and teenagers between 10 and 18 years old to become entrepreneurs and leaders in the technological field”, said Juanma Revuelta, CEO of Finnova. This is the third year of Finnova Foundation’s participation in the awards, which are supported by the Startup Europe Awards, an initiative promoted by the European Commission and launched by Finnova Foundation in collaboration with Startup Europe, to promote startups and scaleups across Europe. The edition has presented quality projects, where the young contestants have put all their creativity and innovation to come up with ideas capable of solving the most current challenges in the area of technology. Although this year no team has solved the water and sustainable energy challenge, in 2021 the winners of Technovation Girls were inspired by the European project LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 to create the app Comen 2.0, which linked the HORECA sector with the water treatment plants for the reuse of organic waste. About Technovation Girls Technovation Girls is an entrepreneurship and technology programme that aims to inspire girls and young women between the ages of 10 and 18 to become leaders and innovators. Led in Valencia by María José Valero, CEO of Talent Growth Management and ambassador of Technovation Girls Comunidad Valenciana, the programme aims to reduce the technological gender gap that currently exists. The aim of this competition is to create groups of girls and young women who, with the help of a mentor, develop a mobile application (app) that helps to solve a social problem that is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. In this way, in a fun and didactic way, the girls learn about programming concepts, app development, the development of a marketing plan and market research, in addition to learning about the social problems that affect their communities. The initiative started in 2009, and since then, more than 15,000 girls from 100 countries have taken part in it. Technovation Girls Comunitat Valenciana 2023 is sponsored by the Area of Innovative Development of Economic Sectors, Employment and Finance of the City Council of Valencia, with the collaboration of València Activa, American Space Valencia, Escola Tècnica Superior d’Enginyeria Informàtica, Escola Tècnica Superior d’Enginyeria Agronòmica i del Medi Natural de la Universitat Politècnica de València, as well as the Mesa de la Ingeniería Valenciana and Las Naves Centre d’Innovació, among other entities and companies. GFT España, NTT DATA España, Ford España, Grupo Tragsa, Edicom, Schneider Electric, Mesa de la Ingeniería Valenciana, Cogiti and Citop CV also collaborated in the event. About LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 This is a pilot demonstration project, funded by the LIFE programme and with a budget of more than 970,000 euros, which generates biogas in sewage treatment plant digesters by mixing putrescible organic waste (slurry, poultry, organic fractions, MSW, horeca, etc.), thus transforming sewage sludge into green energy through technology. The initiative led by Global Omnium, (Spain), in collaboration with the Finnova Foundation (Belgium) and Águas do Centro Litoral (Portugal) aims to become the most versatile digestion control tool on the market, achieving environmental and economic benefits through the production of biogas by making optimal use of waste. Thanks to this technology, it favours the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the use of sewage sludge generated in wastewater treatment processes, thus achieving a positive impact on the environment. This programme is easily scalable with other funds such as FEDER, NextGenerationEU or Repower EU. About Startup Europe Awards The Startup Europe Awards (SEUA) is an initiative promoted by the European Commission, launched by the Finnova Foundation in collaboration with StartUp Europe. It is an open innovation tool that allows companies to identify talented startups capable of solving today’s challenges in multiple areas. Its mission is to help Startups and Scaleups become more efficient, smarter and more successful. These awards are a useful tool to promote knowledge sharing, add value to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and help startups to grow and position themselves in the market. About Finnova Foundation Finnova is the Spanish-Belgian non-profit foundation based in Brussels and Spain, working for the promotion and development of innovation and entrepreneurship in the EU. Finnova’s experience in leading communication and dissemination activities for European projects is combined with a proven track record in business creation and entrepreneurship support programmes, such as accelerators, incubators and events, as well as its commitment to training and employability of young people.
The European project LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 celebrates Europe Day 2023
09/05/2023, Brussels. Today, 9 May, the European Union commemorates peace and unity in Europe. For 73 years, Europe Day has marked the anniversary of the historic “Schuman Declaration”. French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman’s proposal in 1950 to create a European Coal and Steel Community marked a turning point for today’s EU, as the ECSC was the first common European institution. In this context, the European Commission contributes to the implementation of numerous programmes aimed at moving towards a smarter Europe, a greener Europe, a carbon-free Europe, a more connected Europe and a Europe that is more social and closer to its citizens. An example of this is the LIFE Programme which, since 1992, focuses on projects that propose environmental solutions for the improvement of biodiversity, nature, circular economy, climate change and the transition to clean energy. LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 was born as a European project co-financed 55% by the LIFE Programme and proposes an innovative technology to transform putrescible organic waste from anaerobic digesters of WWTP wastewater treatment plants into biogas. From LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 we are very happy to be able to count on such a powerful tool as the LIFE Programme of the European Commission that inspires us and allows us to continue contributing to the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the directives of the European Green Pact to promote wastewater management as a challenge for the transition and energy efficiency, and the fight against climate change. New LIFE call for proposals The new 2023 call for LIFE proposals is now published on the Funding & Tender portal, the single application point for applicants, contractors and funding programme experts. The publication of the calls for a clean energy transition is scheduled for next Thursday, 11 May. On 25 and 26 April, CINEA (European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency) organised EU LIFE Info Days to orient potential applicants on the LIFE 2023 calls for proposals. You can watch the recordings of these Info Days and learn more about the LIFE Programme. #DíaDeEuropa
LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 commemorates International Mother Earth Day
This April 22nd, from LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 we want to commemorate the celebration of the International Mother Earth Day. The oceans are filling up with plastics and becoming more acidic. Extreme heat, wildfires, floods and other weather events have affected millions of people. Even today we are still facing COVID -19, a global health pandemic with a strong link to the health of our ecosystem. From LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 we intend to promote the care of mother earth. The technology implemented in our water treatment plants allows the prevention and reuse of waste, using renewable energy sources, such as biogas, for the operation of the machinery. Water treatment plants require a transition in terms of the technology they implement, making it more sustainable. The anaerobic system implemented in our WWTP is a step forward in the sustainability of water treatment, because its use means low energy consumption, low consumption of chemicals and a reduction in operating costs. Not only that, but from LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 we will continue to contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the European Green Pact and the guidelines set by the SDGs, giving rise to a sustainable and environmentally sustainable water management.
LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 celebrates World Creativity and Innovation Day
This April 21, from LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 we want to commemorate the World Creativity and Innovation Day, a date that aims to promote multidisciplinary creative thinking to achieve a more sustainable future. The celebration of this day encompasses the concept of the creative economy. An evolving concept based on the interaction between human creativity, ideas, intellectual property, knowledge and technology. Innovation is an essential component of sustainable development and represents a source of identity and creativity for the individual and the community. At the same time, creativity and innovation have a significant non-economic value that contributes to inclusive social development, dialogue and understanding between peoples. Today, the creative industries are among the most dynamic sectors of the global economy and provide new opportunities for developing countries to leapfrog into the emerging high-growth areas of the world economy. From LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 we support creativity and innovation, through the innovative technology implemented in the WWTP plants and the software under development at the Global Omnium plant, located in Valencia. This technology allows to control and automate the anaerobic digesters of water treatment plants to transform putrescible organic waste into biogas. In this way, our project has developed an automatic waste dosing system to maximize and optimize energy, always following the guidelines of the European Green Pact and the SDGs in terms of circular economy.
LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 project attracts great interest at WEX Global, the leading event in the water sector
03/04/2023, Seville. Over the course of three days, the European project LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 has been at the centre of some of the key moments in the framework of WEX Global held in Seville from 27 to 29 March, the leading event in the water sector. Juanma Revuelta, CEO of Finnova, participated in one of the round tables on Tuesday, 28 March, where he explained this innovative technology. Revuelta’s conference began with the presentation of this project funded by the LIFE programme, which uses the Startup Europe methodology of public-private partnership and aims to generate biogas from the control and automation of water treatment plant digesters by mixing putrescible organic waste (slurry, poultry, organic fractions, MSW, HORECA, etc.). This initiative, led by Global Omnium (Spain), in collaboration with the Finnova Foundation (Belgium) and Águas do Centro Litoral (Portugal), transforms wastewater treatment plant sludge into green energy. On the third and final day of the event, Finnova’s CEO together with Adrián Noheda, EU Project Manager at Finnova, took part in the networking sessions, which included Bruno Abreu, CEO of SCUBIC and winner of Startup Europe Awards 2019; Jaime Barba, CEO of Idrica; Elías Colom, Marketing Director of Global Omnium; and João Simão, Executive Director of Portuguese Water Partnership (PWC). In the crucial context of a water sector event, the new LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 Startup Europe Awards were presented. These awards, which seek startups that provide solutions to the challenges of the ecological and energy transition, were launched for the first time on 17 February at Transfiere, the largest European forum for science, technology and innovation, held at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga (FYCMA). The awards ceremony will take place in the framework of S-Moving and Greencities, on 20 and 21 September at the Trade Fair and Congress Centre of Malaga (FYCMA). The winning proposal may become a real demonstration project as a LIFE, subsidised by the EU with up to 5 million euros. About WEX Global WEX Global occupies a unique place in the water conference calendar. Business meetings and conversations are at the heart of WEX, along with the principle of ‘exchange’; the sharing of ideas and philosophies, business cards, solutions and methodologies, to form strong networks on which to build stronger relationships. We will also host more than 80 speakers, from over 40 countries, who will discuss critical issues related to water, energy and climate change: smart circular solutions to build a better world. About Startup Europe Awards The Startup Europe Awards (SEUA) is an initiative promoted by the European Commission, launched by the Finnova Foundation in collaboration with StartUp Europe. It is an open innovation tool that allows companies to identify talented startups capable of solving today’s challenges in multiple areas. Its mission is to help Startups and Scaleups become more efficient, smarter, and more successful. These awards are a useful tool to promote knowledge sharing, add value to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and help startups to grow and position themselves in the market. About LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 This is a pilot demonstration project, funded by the LIFE programme and with a budget of more than 970,000 euros, which generates biogas in sewage treatment plant digesters by mixing putrescible organic waste (slurry, poultry, organic fractions, MSW, horeca, etc.), thus transforming sewage sludge into green energy through technology. The initiative led by Global Omnium, (Spain), in collaboration with the Finnova Foundation (Belgium) and Águas do Centro Litoral (Portugal) aims to become the most versatile digestion control tool on the market, achieving environmental and economic benefits through the production of biogas by making optimal use of waste. Thanks to this technology, it favours the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the use of sewage sludge generated in wastewater treatment processes, thus achieving a positive impact on the environment. This programme is easily scalable with other funds such as FEDER, NextGenerationEU or Repower EU. About Finnova Foundation Finnova is the Spanish-Belgian non-profit foundation based in Brussels and Spain, working for the promotion and development of innovation and entrepreneurship in the EU. Finnova’s experience in leading communication and dissemination activities for European projects is combined with a proven track record in business creation and entrepreneurship support programmes, such as accelerators, incubators and events, as well as its commitment to training and employability of young people.
Finnova encourages startups to apply for LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 Startup Europe Awards
“Improvement of biogas generation in Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTP) and their energy improvement” and “Sustainable technology for the valorisation of sludge from Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP)”. These are the two challenges that make up the LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 Startup Europe Awards, an open innovation methodology of public-private collaboration implemented by the Finnova Foundation, which promotes the identification of innovative solutions by entrepreneurs to SDG and EU challenges. The awards will be presented on 20 and 21 September in the framework of S-Moving and Greencities to be held at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga (FYCMA). Wastewater Treatment Plants, or WWTPs, are used to remove waste, floating fats, oils and grease, sand and other elements that may be present in the water, as well as settleable materials, both organic and inorganic, and biodegradable organic matter dissolved in the water. In recent years, WWTPs in Europe have achieved significant energy savings, but it is still a costly and intensive process, which involves a considerable amount of greenhouse gas emissions. The development of WWTPs in Spain is characterised by uneven regional policies. The first challenge “Improvement of biogas generation in Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTP) and their energy improvement” aims to achieve a first level technology applied to waste water treatment, which allows saving energy costs, and to look for companies and entrepreneurs that promote biogas generation, improve the efficiency of its production or its subsequent use in services such as public vehicle fleets with the objectives of circular economy and sustainable mobility as the main axis. The second challenge, “Sustainable technology for the valorisation of sludge from Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTP)”. seeks a project or initiative that provides a sustainable technological solution for the treatment and disposal of sewage sludge and its subsequent recovery. Two criteria that will be prioritised are that the technology must be sustainable and capable of transforming the limited use of sludge (typically agricultural applications such as fertilisers) into ways of generating value and profitability (e.g. co-production of biofuel). Registration for the challenges is now open and should be done through this link. Final in September The LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 Startup Europe Awards are an open innovation tool to identify disruptive startups that promote public-private collaboration and aim to raise awareness of the importance of self-entrepreneurship as a driver of employment. The call for these challenges was launched at the LIFE EDODIGESTION 2.0 – Synergies towards Technology Transfer seminar held on 17 February at Transfiere (FYCMA). The final will be held on Wednesday, 20 and Thursday, 21 September in the framework of Greencities and S-Moving at the Trade Fair and Congress Centre of Malaga (FYCMA). The challenges posed are committed to innovative entrepreneurship in the field of circular economy, energy efficiency and the fight against climate change. In short, stratups that provide innovative solutions to the challenges of the ecological transition. It is also worth mentioning that the innovative startups that present themselves will be able to promote European demonstration projects in programmes such as LIFE and Horizon Europe with grants of between 500,000 and 15 million euros. Finnova at Wex Global Finnova has been present at Wex Global from 27th to 29th March in order to present the Life Ecodigestion 2.0 project and encourage companies to participate in the LIFE CODIGESTION 2.0 Startup Europe Awards and provide innovative solutions to the challenges of ecological transition, energy efficiency and the fight against climate change. In addition, on the afternoon of 28 March, Juanma Revuelta, CEO of Finnova, presented the European Life Ecodigestion 2.0 project at a round table moderated by Frank Rogalia, Director of Innovation and Technology at Aqualia, and comprising Helge Daebel, Emerald Partner at Technology Ventures; Juliette Douglas, Business Development Liaison at Water Alliance; and Beverley Ferrara, European representative of The Water Council. About Startup Europe Awards The Startup Europe Awards (SEUA) is an initiative promoted by the European Commission, launched by the Finnova Foundation in collaboration with StartUp Europe. It is an open innovation tool that allows companies to identify talented startups capable of solving today’s challenges in multiple areas. Its mission is to help Startups and Scaleups become more efficient, smarter and more successful. These awards are a useful tool to promote knowledge sharing, add value to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and help startups to grow and position themselves in the market. About LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 This is a pilot demonstration project, funded by the LIFE programme and with a budget of more than 970,000 euros, which generates biogas in sewage treatment plant digesters by mixing putrescible organic waste (slurry, poultry, organic fractions, MSW, horeca, etc.), thus transforming sewage sludge into green energy through technology. The initiative led by Global Omnium, (Spain), in collaboration with the Finnova Foundation (Belgium) and Águas do Centro Litoral (Portugal) aims to become the most versatile digestion control tool on the market, achieving environmental and economic benefits through the production of biogas by making optimal use of waste. Thanks to this technology, it favours the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the use of sewage sludge generated in wastewater treatment processes, thus achieving a positive impact on the environment. This programme is easily scalable with other funds such as FEDER, NextGenerationEU or Repower EU. About Finnova Foundation Finnova is the Spanish-Belgian non-profit foundation based in Brussels and Spain, working for the promotion and development of innovation and entrepreneurship in the EU. Finnova’s experience in leading communication and dissemination activities for European projects is combined with a proven track record in business creation and entrepreneurship support programmes, such as accelerators, incubators and events, as well as its commitment to training and employability of young people.
The European LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 project at WEX Global
29/03/2023, Seville. Yesterday, Tuesday 28th March, Juanma Revuelta, CEO of Finnova, presented the European Life Ecodigestion 2.0 project at a conference held as part of WEX Global, the leading event in the water sector. In the roundtable he also announced the next edition of the Life Ecodigestion 2.0 Startup Europe Awards, which seek startups that provide innovative solutions to the challenges of ecological transition, energy efficiency and the fight against climate change. The panel was moderated by Frank Rogalia, Director of Innovation and Technology at Aqualia, and included Helge Daebel, Emerald Partner at Technology Ventures; Juliette Douglas, Business Development Liaison at Water Alliance; Beverley Ferrara, European representative of The Water Council; and Juanma Revuelta, CEO of Finnova. The session began with brief presentations by each of the panellists, followed by a question and answer session, analysis and discussion in which both the audience and the panel of experts were able to participate. The LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 project Revuelta’s intervention began with the presentation of Life Ecodigestion 2.0, a project financed by the Life programme to generate biogas in water treatment plant digesters by mixing putrescible organic waste (slurry, poultry, organic fractions, MSW, HORECA, etc.). This initiative, led by Global Omnium (Spain), in collaboration with the Finnova Foundation (Belgium) and Águas do Centro Litoral (Portugal), transforms wastewater treatment plant sludge into green energy. The technology used in LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 “combines digitalisation, climate change and the European Green Pact with the use of Artificial Intelligence”, explained Finnova’s CEO in his speech. This innovative European project also uses the Startup Europe methodology of public-private partnership and digital tools to control and automate the digesters of wastewater treatment plants with the aim of transforming putrescible organic waste into biogas. LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 Startup Europe Awards Revuelta also presented the new LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 Startup Europe Awards, launched on 17 February at Transfiere, the largest European forum for science, technology and innovation, held at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga (FYCMA). These awards seek startups that provide innovative solutions to the challenges of ecological transition, energy efficiency and the fight against climate change. These SEUAs are made up of two challenges. The first one: “Improvement of biogas generation in Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) and energy improvement” aims to achieve a technology for wastewater treatment (biogas generation), which allows saving energy costs and improving the efficiency of its production. The second, “Sustainable technology for the valorisation of sludge from Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTP)” seeks a technological solution for the treatment and disposal of sewage sludge for its subsequent valorisation, for example, as a co-production of biofuel. The awards ceremony will take place on 20 and 21 September at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga (FYCMA) in the framework of S-Moving and Greencities. The winning proposal may become a real demonstration project as a LIFE, funded by the EU with up to 5 million euros. Below, you can register to participate in the LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 call for proposals. About WEX Global WEX Global occupies a unique place in the water conference calendar. Business meetings and conversations are at the heart of WEX, along with the principle of ‘exchange’; the sharing of ideas and philosophies, business cards, solutions and methodologies, to form strong networks on which to build stronger relationships. We will also host more than 80 speakers, from over 40 countries, who will discuss critical issues related to water, energy and climate change: smart circular solutions to build a better world. About Startup Europe Awards The Startup Europe Awards (SEUA) is an initiative promoted by the European Commission, launched by the Finnova Foundation in collaboration with StartUp Europe. It is an open innovation tool that allows companies to identify talented startups capable of solving today’s challenges in multiple areas. Its mission is to help Startups and Scaleups become more efficient, smarter and more successful. These awards are a useful tool to promote knowledge sharing, add value to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and help startups to grow and position themselves in the market. About LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 This is a pilot demonstration project, funded by the LIFE programme and with a budget of more than 970,000 euros, which generates biogas in sewage treatment plant digesters by mixing putrescible organic waste (slurry, poultry, organic fractions, MSW, horeca, etc.), thus transforming sewage sludge into green energy through technology. The initiative led by Global Omnium, (Spain), in collaboration with the Finnova Foundation (Belgium) and Águas do Centro Litoral (Portugal) aims to become the most versatile digestion control tool on the market, achieving environmental and economic benefits through the production of biogas by making optimal use of waste. Thanks to this technology, it favours the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the use of sewage sludge generated in wastewater treatment processes, thus achieving a positive impact on the environment. This programme is easily scalable with other funds such as FEDER, NextGenerationEU or Repower EU. About Finnova Foundation Finnova is the Spanish-Belgian non-profit foundation based in Brussels and Spain, working for the promotion and development of innovation and entrepreneurship in the EU. Finnova’s experience in leading communication and dissemination activities for European projects is combined with a proven track record in business creation and entrepreneurship support programmes, such as accelerators, incubators and events, as well as its commitment to training and employability of young people.
LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 presented at UNWTO Startup Community-Spain launch event
28/03/2023, Madrid. Last Wednesday, March 22nd, Juanma Revuelta, CEO of Finnova, presented the European project Life Ecodigestion 2.0 and the new Life Ecodigestion 2.0 Startup Europe Awards at the UNWTO Startup Community launch event, held at the Google for Startup Campus in Madrid. Thanks to the innovative technology of the Life Ecodigestion 2.0 project, funded by the Life programme, biogas can be generated in anaerobic digesters of water treatment plants by mixing putrescible organic waste (slurry, poultry, organic fractions, MSW, HORECA, etc.). This initiative, led by Global Omnium (Spain), in collaboration with the Finnova Foundation (Belgium) and Águas do Centro Litoral (Portugal), transforms wastewater treatment plant sludge into green energy. Life Ecodigestión 2.0 is therefore committed to turning the use of biogas into a reliable source of energy that can meet industrial energy demand. In this way, the target of achieving at least 27% of energy from renewable sources in the European Union’s Agenda 2030 will also be met. Life Ecodigestion 2.0 Startup Europe Awards Revuelta’s speech was also the stage for the presentation of the new Life Ecodigestion 2.0 Startup Europe Awards. These awards were presented for the first time on 17 February at Transfiere, the largest European forum for science, technology and innovation, held at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga (FYCMA). This edition is looking for startups that provide innovative solutions to the challenges of ecological transition, energy efficiency and the fight against climate change. To this end, two challenges have been set: “Improvement of biogas generation in Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) and energy improvement” to achieve a technology for wastewater treatment (biogas generation) and “Sustainable technology for the valuation of sludge from Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP)” which seeks a technological solution for the treatment and disposal of sewage sludge for subsequent recovery (co-production of biofuel). The awards ceremony will take place in the framework of S-Moving and Greencities, on 20 and 21 September at the Trade Fair and Congress Centre of Malaga (FYCMA). The winning proposal may become a real demonstration project as a LIFE, granted by the EU with up to 5 million euros. Below, you can register to participate in the LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 call and find out more about the prizes and challenges. About UNWTO Startup Community UNWTO Startup Community is a community launched on 22 March 2023 at the Google Startup Campus in Madrid by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in collaboration with Area101. The main objective of this initiative is to connect, energise and follow up startups finalists of the competitions of the UNWTO, the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. About Startup Europe Awards The Startup Europe Awards (SEUA) is an initiative promoted by the European Commission, launched by the Finnova Foundation in collaboration with StartUp Europe. It is an open innovation tool that allows companies to identify talented startups capable of solving today’s challenges in multiple areas. Its mission is to help Startups and Scaleups become more efficient, smarter and more successful. These awards are a useful tool to promote knowledge sharing, add value to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and help startups to grow and position themselves in the market. About LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 This is a pilot demonstration project, funded by the LIFE programme and with a budget of more than 970,000 euros, which generates biogas in sewage treatment plant digesters by mixing putrescible organic waste (slurry, poultry, organic fractions, MSW, horeca, etc.), thus transforming sewage sludge into green energy through technology. The initiative led by Global Omnium, (Spain), in collaboration with the Finnova Foundation (Belgium) and Águas do Centro Litoral (Portugal) aims to become the most versatile digestion control tool on the market, achieving environmental and economic benefits through the production of biogas by making optimal use of waste. Thanks to this technology, it favours the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the use of sewage sludge generated in wastewater treatment processes, thus achieving a positive impact on the environment. This programme is easily scalable with other funds such as FEDER, NextGenerationEU or Repower EU. About Finnova Foundation Finnova is the Spanish-Belgian non-profit foundation based in Brussels and Spain, working for the promotion and development of innovation and entrepreneurship in the EU. Finnova’s experience in leading communication and dissemination activities for European projects is combined with a proven track record in business creation and entrepreneurship support programmes, such as accelerators, incubators and events, as well as its commitment to training and employability of young people.