Biocamp 2018 inspires another 18 young entrepreneurs
2017’s successful Innovation Biocamp for biobased entrepreneurs has been repeated in 2018, with the help of funding from Europe’s Interreg NWE programme. Eighteen participants from 16 North-West European start-ups and young SMEs succeeded in being selected for the Biocamp and they gathered in Yorkshire (UK) in June for a week of intensive entrepreneurship training.
Their technologies, products and services were wide-ranging and included: disposable tableware made from seaweed; construction materials made from hemp; and a breeding programme to domesticate insects used as protein sources. The Biocamp’s specialist coaching and support provided these aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools they need to commercialise their biobased ideas and grow their companies.
The learning was facilitated by scientific trainers Skillfluence and their expertise was complemented by talks and mentoring from experts including: CEOs and founders of biobased businesses, biotechnology investors, IP lawyers and other industry experts,. Through the help of these professionals and through participatory workshops and team exercises, the participants were able to develop their plans for their businesses.
During their week at the Biocamp, the companies considered aspects such as: business model development; value propositions, customer discovery, company valuation and communications. A session on business scale-up was delivered by a successful alumnus of the 2017 Biocamp. Over the course of the week, the participants developed their business pitches and at the end of the week, they had the opportunity to pitch to a panel of active investors, with an interest in the bioabased sector.
One of the strengths of the Biocamp was that - because the course was residential - delegates were given many opportunities to interact with each other and so were able to also benefit from peer-to-peer learning and develop their network of contacts in the biobased business sector.
This year’s Biocamp built on the success of the 2017 Biocamp to deliver a unique and highly specific learning exercise. The companies that participated had some remarkable services and products to offer and were led by an inspiring group of highly driven entrepreneurs. With the help of BioBase4SME’s Biocamp, we trust that a new generation of biobased businesses is now on the road to commercial success.
Mohammed Al Qaraghuli, SiMologics: “The entire week was a great opportunity to meet amazing people and gain huge experience. Thanks again for facilitating such a good training and networking opportunity.“
Kevin Louis, Ensiacet: “I got a lot of information during BioCamp, it was an incredible week! The location was fantastic. The Hawkhills is a peaceful and a perfect place to work. I would like to thank you all the BioVale Team, you were amazing. Our talks and our training sessions together were a meaningful experience.”
Alexander Novitskiy, Nova Extraction: “It has profoundly helped on the way in establishing our company and ultimately getting our product on the market.” -
Thomas Farrugia, Beta Bugs: “Really enjoyable event! Definitely learnt a lot. I think what was also really valuable was meeting other entrepreneurs and sharing our experiences and strategies, especially since we spent so much time together. This is a big plus of the event.”