The Baltic circular bioeconomy pitching event held in Tartu was won by Estonian startup ConceptEasy, which is developing a microalgae-based technology for precision modulation of the gut microbiome in livestock. The solution uses nanoscale particles to reduce antibiotic use while improving animal health and productivity.
The “Powering the Baltic Bioeconomy: Estonia–Latvia–Lithuania Pitching Event,” held on May 12, brought together teams from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The focus was on biobased materials and solutions supporting the circular bioeconomy. Seven teams reached the final, presenting their ideas in two rounds and receiving feedback from a jury and investors.
According to the winning team, their idea is based on using microalgae to deliver bioactive signals to targeted locations.
“Our idea is to harness the power of nature by using microalgae and the tiny signals they release to replace antibiotics,” said a representative of ConceptEasy. The team plans to continue development work to advance the technology to a higher level and prepare for the next stage.
The jury highlighted the high quality of ideas, noting that execution was the key differentiator. Mart Maasik (Nordic Science Investments) emphasised that all teams have the potential to reach the market.
“All of them have strong potential to reach the market. The timelines differ, but there is no question about the ideas,” he said.
Karl Peebo (Metrosert AS) pointed out solutions that are closer to market readiness, including those focused on valorising brewery waste.
“They already have a product, understand their customers and could be market-ready quite soon,” he said, adding that the winning idea will require time to mature into a viable business.
Andrus Kurvits (Sparkup Tartu Science Park) highlighted practical solutions related to living environments.
“The flat wall living concept stood out as a smart way to make small living spaces more functional,” he said, adding that while most ideas are still at an early stage, they show clear future potential.
The jury also stressed that scalability and partnerships will play a key role in further development and market entry.
In addition to the overall winner, several special awards were presented:
- Bold Ambition Award – Waste Streams for Materials (Estonia)
- Presentation Award – Green Biorefinery of Spent Coffee Grounds (Latvia)
- Novelty Award – Seed cleaning technology for intermediate wheatgrass and small-seeded meadow species (Estonia)
- Market Potential Award – Flat Wall Living – Turning Walls into Functional Living Space (Estonia)
- Future Strategy Award – Advancing Sustainable Bioproducts for Agriculture and Forestry (Lithuania)
- Sustainability recognition – Öseen (Estonia)
The jury included Andrus Kurvits (Sparkup Tartu Science Park), Karl Peebo (Metrosert AS), Mart Maasik (Nordic Science Investments), Silja Kana (Estonian University of Life Sciences), and Piia Pääso (Estonian University of Life Sciences).
The event was organised under the BIOEAST Initiative and the EU Horizon project BOOST4BIOEAST. It was hosted by the Estonian BIOEAST Hub and the innovation and knowledge transfer team at the Estonian University of Life Sciences. Participants received pitching training, met investors, and presented solutions supporting the development of the circular bioeconomy in the region.
Learn more about the event herelink opens in new page.
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