In view of global challenges, markets and trade relations, a sustainable bioeconomy can only succeed through international cooperation. In 2012, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) launched the "Bioeconomy International" initiative ("Bioökonomie International"), with the first projects starting the following year. Research alliances between German players and partners from non-EU countries are supported. The aim is to strengthen research cooperation with the world's best and tap into international innovation potential.

Microorganisms are important protein factories that can replace animal protein and thus contribute to a sustainable diet. The food tech start-up MicroHarvest uses these microbial helpers to produce new, healthy and sustainable protein ingredients. Two years after the Hamburg-based biotech company was founded, the first pilot plant was opened in Lisbon on November 16.

Meadows and pastures are important carbon sinks. The soils of so-called grasslands absorb a third of the world's carbon stock. Until now, researchers have assumed that carbon storage depends on the amount of plants growing on the soil. A recent study now disproves this assumption. In it, an international research team with the participation of Leuphana University Lüneburg examined the connection between the plant diversity of grasslands and carbon sequestration in soils in more detail.

The production of meat from animal muscle cells in a bioreactor is a promising way of securing the supply of protein-rich food for the world's growing population without harming the environment and climate. The first cell-based meat products have already been authorised in Singapore and the USA. What is possible on earth could also enrich space missions. This is shown by initial investigations by two independent research teams from the European Space Agency (ESA) in Germany and the UK, who have tested the cultivation of cultured meat in space.

Whether for dyeing and waterproofing clothing or for producing fibres, the textile industry still uses fossil raw materials and chemicals that are harmful to both people and the environment. With a view to sustainability and resource efficiency, however, sustainable solutions are entering the market. Products made from recycled polyester fibres, waste materials from the food industry, high-tech fibres made from biotechnologically produced spider silk or dyes made from algae are just a few innovative examples.

The figures speak for themselves: In 2022, Germany was by far the largest sales market for protein foods produced without animals, at 1.9 billion euros. Germans, who are otherwise sceptical about food innovations, are open to dairy products, fish and cheese produced using optimised microorganisms and cell-based processes. According to recent surveys, a good 60% of over-25s and almost 80% of under-25s would at least like to try them.

Insects have long been part of the diet in many countries. They are not only rich in proteins, minerals and vitamins. They are also relatively easy to keep and produce significantly fewer greenhouse gases than pigs or cattle.

It may not have been enough for the Grand Prize, but four of the 19 German teams had a special reason to celebrate at this year's final of the iGEM Jamboree in Paris last week: at the most important global competition fo

It is the annual mega-event for synthetic biology: for the 20th time, thousands of young researchers, start-ups, investors, politicians and journalists from all over the world will come together from 2 to 5 November for the Grand Jamboree of the iGEM 2023 competition. This year, around 400 university teams will be competing in Paris for gold, silver and bronze medals as well as numerous other awards, including 19 German teams (see below).

As part of its bioeconomy research funding programme, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) aims to combine biotechnology with other promising future fields. These include artificial intelligence, robotics, nanotechnology, computer science and engineering. This is because innovations and disruptive developments are increasingly emerging at the boundaries between disciplines.