Oetker Group supports start-up incubator

Innovations in the field of life sciences secure the food production of the future and make it more sustainable. To accelerate innovation through start-ups in the fields of agriculture, food technology and biotechnology, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and UnternehmerTUM have launched the TUM Venture Lab Food-Agro-Biotech (FAB). The Lab FAB is one of now eleven TUM Venture Labs, which are designed to support TUM researchers and students in entrepreneurial spin-offs in the various fields of technology.

“Digital systems will optimize agricultural production”

AI-supported field robots could give agriculture a significant boost toward greater sustainability. Agricultural scientist Hans G. Griepentrog is convinced of this. In recent years, the scientist from the University of Hohenheim has developed a field robot with AI-supported data analysis and intelligent sensor technology that independently makes its rounds in the fields, weeds and gives the farmer fertilizer recommendations.

 

PET demand ever higher

Less than two years ago, a team of researchers at the University of Leipzig reported that they had discovered an enzyme that degrades the plastic polyethylene terephthalate - better known as PET - at high speed. Now the experts have followed up and improved this enzyme even further.

Fresh capital for AMSilk

It has been ten years since AMSilk first processed biotechnologically produced spider silk into fibers. Today, the artificial spider silk threads called Biosteel are used in numerous high-tech products such as running shoes, watch straps, door handle loops and aircraft wings. Spider silk proteins are also used in medicine and cosmetics.

Biowaste to clean wastewater

Wastewater has long since become a valuable resource for recycling nutrients such as phosphate or returning water to the cycle. For this, however, all pollutants such as pharmaceutical residues or corrosion protection agents must be removed from the wastewater. This is usually done with activated carbon, because the pollutants easily stick to this carbonaceous and porous material. But activated carbon is mainly obtained from lignite and hard coal.

TU Darmstadt (2023): Decline of insect populations in forests

Fewer and fewer insects live in Germany, not only on fields and farmland, but also in forests. This is the result of a study conducted by the Technical University (TU) of Darmstadt in cooperation with the Technical University of Munich.

First results on peat moss paludiculture

For decades, moors were deliberately drained for land reclamation. Only about five percent of Germany's land area is still moorland. The drainage not only destroyed the habitat of many plants and animals, but also an important CO2 reservoir. Two years ago, the federal and state governments therefore agreed to invest more than 330 million euros in projects to protect peatlands. The main focus is on the large-scale rewetting of drained peatlands. Paludiculture stands for reviving peatlands as CO2 reservoirs in a sustainable and gentle way.

Bio-composite made from flax and chitosan

In vehicle construction, in aviation, in the furniture industry or in medical technology: Composite materials are used wherever lightweight and load-bearing elements are required. By combining different materials, composite materials are created that have certain properties and meet specific requirements. However, conventional composites are usually made from fossil raw materials such as concrete and are not sustainable. Not only does the production process cause significant CO2 emissions. Recycling is also energy-intensive.

Innovative materials without fossil raw materials

The end of fossil raw materials such as crude oil, natural gas and coal is approaching. Although they are now mainly used for energy, companies are also looking for sustainable alternatives for material use. At the "Renewable Raw Materials Conference" in Siegburg in May, the "Renewable Raw Material of the Year 2023" will be voted on. From 30 applications, the organizer nova-Institut and the conference advisory board have selected six candidates for the final - including two German start-ups.