Innovative approaches from bioeconomy research

Stakeholders from the BMBF's "Agricultural Systems of the Future" funding programme are demonstrating what tomorrow's agricultural production could look like. Two of the eight research consortia and the team from the coordination centre are on site with exhibits. DAKIS stands for a digital knowledge and information system for agriculture. As an exhibit, the researchers are demonstrating the function of the web-based app EROSPOT, which can be used to determine suitable locations for erosion control measures.

Researchers in the NOcsPS consortium are developing cultivation systems that do not require the use of synthetic chemical pesticides but are still highly productive. The researchers are exhibiting a drone equipped with a multispectral camera. This makes it possible to recognise plant diseases in the field at an early stage so that they can be controlled in a targeted manner with biological agents.

"It is a unique opportunity for the agricultural systems of the future to be able to present the digital innovations of the two consortia NOcsPS and DAKIS to an international audience. The Bioeconomy Showcase enables an interesting exchange on the transformation of agricultural systems," says Monika Schreiner, Co-Head of the Coordination Centre of "Agricultural Systems of the Future".

Products from the bioeconomy innovation areas

Two of the four consortia funded by the BMBF as part of the "Bioeconomy Innovation Spaces" programme are also participating. For example, the NewFoodSystems innovation space is presenting how vanilla or oregano can be cultivated in an indoor farm and is using quinoa, mung beans and hemp to demonstrate the diversity of plant proteins and their potential for the production of new foods. "This opportunity to present some of our innovative projects to the Federal Minister of Education is unique. At the same time, the joint stand offers an important platform for making the diverse topics of the bioeconomy accessible to a broad audience from business, science and society," says Leonie Fink from the NewFoodSystems coordination office.

A miniature armchair made from bio-based yarns and socks made from environmentally friendly elastane were presented by researchers from the BIOTEXFUTURE innovation centre. "We were able to make many exciting contacts in the field of innovation here," said Nicole Espey from the ITA at RWTH Aachen University.

Bioeconomy model region in the Rhenish mining area

The BioökonomieREVIER innovation cluster – part of the BMBF-funded bioeconomy model region research network in the Rhenish mining district – is using a data simulation to visualise geodata for the Rhenish mining district in real time as well as periods of drought. "The Bioeconomy Showcase impressively demonstrates the breadth of German bioeconomy research. Visitors came with specific questions for which they were looking for bio-based solutions – a clear sign for us that interest in a sustainable economy is increasing and fully in line with the trade fair motto Energising a sustainable future," says Anke Krüger from the BioökonomieREVIER coordination centre.

The Bio4MatPro competence centre, also part of the model region research network, is showing innovative biotechnology and nanotechnology concepts, including an active interface system for artificial hearts to reduce blood clotting and support patient recovery. "For us, the Bioeconomy Showcase is an excellent opportunity to present our innovative solutions to a wide audience and receive valuable feedback from potential partners."

From the BMEL funding programme, the FNR is presenting wood-based materials for the construction sector, for example clay tiles filled with hardwood insulating materials or foamed starch films for impact sound insulation. Biomaterials for use in various user industries are also being exhibited. These include bioplastics as components for the engine compartment, clothes hangers made from hop fibres and 3D-printed prostheses made from polylactic acid (PLA).

Innovative solutions from the biogas industry are also on show, including a model of a reactor for methanising biogas. It is able to convert the CO₂ contained in biogas into methane together with green hydrogen so that it can be fed into the natural gas grid.

pg/PtJ