Bioceb

Bioceb students and alumni at the Entrepreneurship4All conference in Brussels

2025-12-05T14:21:27Z

Article by: Rangsimatiti Binda Saichompoo and Ayesha Ghazanfar

On the 20th of November 2025, Bioceb alumni and students from Cohort 4 & 5 (Rangsimatiti Binda Saichompoo, Sahin Bayar, Olga Rzeszutek and Ayesha Ghazanfar) gathered in the Conference “Celebrating Entrepreneurs as Change-Makers” organized by Entrepreneurship4All (E4ALL).

This in-person gathering, organized under the auspices of the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) (on behalf of the European Commission), brought together entrepreneurs, policymakers, educators, and other stakeholders from across Europe to reflect on the journey of the Entrepreneurship4All initiative and to chart the next steps for inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems.

A few reflections and key takeaways from Ayesha were:
• The emphasis on entrepreneurial skills development, lifelong learning, and inclusive innovation really resonated: the event highlighted how entrepreneurial competencies are fundamental for sustainable, digital, and financially resilient business models.
• Listening to real stories from entrepreneurs who are making a difference reminded me of the power of practical experience, community support, and the role of policy and ecosystem in enabling impact.
• The discussions around what works—and what still needs to change—in Europe's entrepreneurial ecosystem were both timely and inspiring. Enabling women, youth, and underrepresented voices in entrepreneurship must remain a priority.
• As students from Biological and Chemical Engineering for a Sustainable Bioeconomy (Bioceb) who strives to leave a lasting legacy in our fields of biotechnology, biomaterials engineering and bioprocessing innovation, this event reinforced the importance of being both bold and inclusive: applying scientific insight, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a collaborative spirit to effect change.

More importantly, precious connections were made with E4ALL's amazing organizers, collaborators and invited speakers; Elin McCallum, Dana Adriana Puia Morel, PhD, Vassiliki Chatzipetrou, Pamela Pokorny, Paul Guest, Martine Marjorie Fiedler, Ondrej Svoboda and many other insightful individuals who were ready to drive change and impact.

As a part of the conference, Rangsimatiti Binda Saichompoo was invited to talk shortly about her experience as a learner from E4ALL's e-learning platform and course structure along with another fellow learner Hossain Mohammad Masum.
“Before E4ALL, I was like a solo-hiker with my own tools, backpack and aim to a destination. But with the E4ALL course and community, it felt like I got to meet another group of fellow hikers; with the same goals and passion. I learned so much from them, and they also learned from me.”

This shared experience at the Entrepreneurship4All Conference was more than a single day of learning; it was a reminder of the power of community-driven innovation. As Bioceb students and alumni navigating the intersection of science, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, we left Brussels with renewed motivation to build solutions that matter and to stay connected with the vibrant network of changemakers we met.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Entrepreneurship4All team and all the speakers, facilitators, and fellow participants who made the event so memorable. Their passion for inclusive entrepreneurship and their dedication to empowering emerging leaders continue to inspire us as we shape our own professional journeys.

The road toward a more innovative, sustainable, and equitable Europe is built step by step through knowledge-sharing, bold ideas, cross-disciplinary and intercultural collaboration. We are grateful to be part of this journey, and we look forward to actively contributing to the entrepreneurial and bio-based ecosystems in the years ahead.

Bioceb Students Participate in the Eco-Innovators Erasmus+ Training in Brussels

2025-11-12T11:05:06Z

From November 2–8, 2025, Bioceb students Muhammad Afaq Khan and Şahin Bayar represented the Bioceb Erasmus Mundus Master in Biological and Chemical Engineering for a Sustainable Bioeconomy at the Eco-Innovators Erasmus+ Training held in Brussels, Belgium.

Titled “Next-Gen Sustainability through Science and Innovation,” the program brought together young participants from France, Portugal, Turkey, and Belgium to explore how science, design, and collaboration can drive Europe's green transition. It served as a platform for students and early-career professionals to exchange ideas, develop practical solutions, and learn how sustainability concepts from one country can be adapted and applied in the context of another.

The training began with an introduction to eco-innovation, sustainable product design, and youth empowerment, followed by hands-on workshops on eco-design and prototyping. Participants explored how innovation connects to education, entrepreneurship, and community impact, working in teams to create project concepts that addressed real environmental and social needs. The sessions encouraged creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking toward building a more sustainable future.

During the event, the Bioceb representatives also introduced and raised awareness about the Bioceb Erasmus Mundus program and green jobs, not only sharing what they had learned but also providing insights into new entrepreneurial ideas and innovations addressing environmental challenges. Their contributions made a significant impact on the training. This exchange helped build connections and inspire interest among students eager to engage in international education and sustainability research.

As Bioceb students, it was clearly observed how much perspectives had evolved since the beginning of the program. Becoming more entrepreneurial, proactive, and solution-oriented appeared as an inevitable outcome of the Bioceb experience. The diverse academic and cultural environments within the program had already fostered critical and creative thinking, yet this training further strengthened that mindset by linking theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges and encouraging the development of practical solutions adaptable to different contexts and countries.

Collaboration with peers from various countries highlighted how interdisciplinary approaches and teamwork can transform innovative concepts into concrete outcomes. The experience once again demonstrated that Bioceb not only provides scientific expertise but also cultivates the ability to act as creative and responsible contributors to the sustainable bioeconomy.

A highlight of the program was the visit to the European Parliament, where participants saw how sustainability and innovation are translated into European policies. For the Bioceb representatives, the visit offered meaningful insight into how science and societal engagement can work hand in hand to support the advancement of sustainable initiatives, foster green innovation and education, and drive the transition toward a more resilient and sustainable way of living.

Bioceb at the European Bioeconomy Scientific Forum 2025

2025-07-16T17:22:47Z

AgroParisTech, a founding member of the European Bioeconomy University (EBU), took part in European Bioeconomy Scientific Forum 2025 (EBSF2025). The forum, which was held in Joensuu, Finland from 11 to 13 June, was organised by the University of Eastern Finland.

AgroParisTech was represented by a delegation which included AgroParisTech Dean and Executive Directors, Professors and International and European Relations officers, students from its Bioceb and FIPDes Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programmes, as well as by doctoral students from the doctoral network DESTINY. The conference provided an opportunity to hear a variety of academic perspectives. They also provided an opportunity to meet policy-makers, young people and start-ups, offering regional, European and global visions of the bioeconomy.

AgroParisTech delegation

Lucy Burgess, Bazil Maikah, Pedro Martinez and Olga Rzeszutek (cohort 5 currently in AgroParisTech) and Lorena Diaz (alumni from cohort 3) participated in the Poster Pitch session. Lorena won the best poster presentation!

Poster competition Award

"I had the opportunity to present the findings of a research focused on the role of interdisciplinary entities on helping face the challenges present in the Italian bioeconomy. My performance, presented under the category of Bioeconomy Policies and Stakeholders, was awarded by the jury as the best poster presentation, which I feel very grateful about! I thank my supervisors Siegmar Otto and Nicolas Neef for guiding me through this exciting research! Thanks also for the inspiration and help provided by RE-CORD when reaching out to stakeholders and also the funds obtained from the "Biosphera call for student projects" from the Graduate School Biosphera."
– Lorena' LinkedIn post
– Video with Lorena

Lorena

"I had the opportunity to contribute to the workshop on youth empowerment in the bioeconomy, sharing perspectives on how young professionals can help bridge the gap between young people and genuine opportunities in the sector."
Bazil's LinkedIn post

"The event also allowed us to present the work my colleagues and I are doing as part of our GLP, the core of our Bioceb Master's program. It was delightful to connect with many colleagues from Latin America who are making significant contributions to the bioeconomy. I trust that these connections will help us shape the future of the bioeconomy in our region."
Pedro's LinkedIn post

Bioceb at EMA General Assembly

2025-06-24T11:58:09Z

Erasmus Mundus Association (EMA) 19th General Assembly: “Go Green: Connect, Innovate, Sustain”

The Erasmus Mundus Association (EMA) held its 19th General Assembly on the 16th and 17th of May, 2025, under the inspiring theme “Go Green: Connect, Innovate, Sustain.” This two-day event brought together EMA members, alumni, and stakeholders from around the globe to engage in critical discussions and collaborative activities centered on sustainability and innovation.

The program featured a dynamic range of sessions, including plenary talks on key topics such as Leading with Purpose, Sustainable Leadership, and Community-Based Green Innovations. Participants also engaged in lively debates and explored EMA's role and contributions in advancing global sustainability efforts.

Representing Bioceb (European Master in Biological and Chemical Engineering for a Sustainable Bioeconomy) at the assembly were Javeria Ibrahim and Rangsimatiti Binda Saichompoo (cohort 4), who actively participated as part of the initiative's commitment to sustainable development and education. As Bioceb continues to champion training for a greener, bio-based economy, their involvement reinforced the program's alignment with the assembly's central theme.

Javeria and Rangsimatiti contributed meaningfully during the co-creation sessions, where they discussed sustainability challenges on both grassroots and global levels. They also took part in networking activities, sharing insights on how Bioceb's goals—particularly in fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration—strongly resonate with EMA's green vision.

Their presence at the General Assembly not only highlighted Bioceb's ongoing commitment to sustainable transformation but also helped strengthen inter-program connections within the Erasmus Mundus community.

Bioceb Students Win National Video Competition Showcasing Talent in Agricultural Education

2025-05-14T09:52:57Z

We are proud to announce that a team of students from the Erasmus Mundus Master's programme Bioceb at AgroParisTech has emerged victorious in the French Ministry of Agriculture's national video competition "Les talents de l'enseignement agricole", held as part of the Paris International Agricultural Show: Luisa Tellez Olarte and Rangsimatiti Binda Saichompoo (cohort 4).

The competition aimed to celebrate the diversity and excellence of agricultural education in France. Entrants were asked to create a short video (15–30 seconds) showcasing their talents and highlighting how agricultural education helped reveal and nurture those talents. Videos were shared on Instagram, with the winner chosen based on audience engagement. All the videos submitted for the competition totalised 175,000 views and nearly 10,000 interactions!

Representing the future of sustainable innovation in the bioeconomy, the Bioceb students submitted a video highlighting their achievement as winners of the prestigious BISC-E (Biobased Innovation Student Challenge Europe) competition. Their entry creatively demonstrated how their journey at AgroParisTech, and within the Bioceb programme, empowered them to explore groundbreaking solutions in biotechnology and sustainability.

In recognition of their compelling storytelling and the impact of their work, the Bioceb team's video received the most interactions by the deadline (1,741), earning them the top prize. The award includes:
• Two tickets for a match of the French national rugby team or a performance at the Comédie-Française
• A €2,000 grant for AgroParisTech to support an educational project

This victory not only celebrates the talent and hard work of the Bioceb students but also shines a light on the transformative power of agricultural education in driving forward innovation and excellence in the life sciences.

Congratulations to our brilliant students for this well-deserved recognition!

Bioceb at the International Agricultural Fair 2025 in Paris

2025-03-10T11:49:42Z

The International Agricultural Fair 2025 (Salon International de l'Agriculture - SIA) took place in Paris from February 22nd, 2025 to March 2nd, 2025. This annual agricultural show and trade fair is of major importance for the agricultural sector in France. AgroParisTech is highly present and involved through many different activities. Thus, Bioceb's professors and students in AgroParisTech had the opportunity to participate in the International Agricultural Fair.

Round-table discussion on Bioeconomy, bioresources and circular economy

On February 24th, Stéphanie Baumberger (Bioceb's coordinator) participated in a round table on Bioeconomy, bioresources and circular economy AgroParisTech's booth, organised by Agreenium, the French Alliance for Training and Research in Agriculture, Food, Environment and Global Heath.

This round table gathered researchers and teachers from:
– National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE) : Monique Axelos and Hélène Fulcrand
– AgroToulouse: Valérie Olivier
– Institut Agro Montpellier: Eric Dubreucq
– École Nationale Supérieure d'Agronomie et des Industries Alimentaires of Nancy (ENSAIA): Yves Le Roux
– Oniris VetAgroBio Nantes: Samira Rousselière
– AgroParisTech: Stéphanie Baumberger and Sophie Carton.

After an introduction of the Bioeconomy concept by Monique Axelos (INRAE Scientific Head for Food and Bioeconomy), Stéphanie Baumberger focused on the biorefinery approach and explained the advantage of lignocellulose-based biorefineries regarding food vs non-food competition, management of agro-industrial waste, and flexible production of biomolecules and biofuels. She took the opportunity to exemplify synergies between training, research, and industry, through the European projects Zelcor and Bioceb. She didn't miss emphasising the need for global actions taking into account the diversity of bioresources and value chain systems.

The audience included students from the M2 option “Chemistry and bioprocesses for sustainable development” of Institut Agro Montpellier, as well as socio-economic representatives, such as Sophie Marquis, Head of “Association chimie du végétal” (ACDV), and Laurent Bleuze, bioeconomy officer at the “Coopération Agricole.”

LinkedIn post

Round-table discussion on Erasmus + opportunities

On February 27th, one of our alumni, Gabriel Dauchot, a double graduate in AgroParisTech engineering and Erasmus Mundus Bioceb master's degree, was invited at the booth of French Ministry of Agrictulture and Food to speak about his rich experience and his mobility experiences in Estonia and Belgium.

In addition to his technical skills, Gabriel has acquired personal skills, particularly multicultural ones. This represents a significant plus on his CV and his employability. He also stressed that it's normal to be scared before embarking on such an adventure, across 3 countries, in a group of around twenty students of different nationalities... but he was keen to reassure people that he had been very well supported and that everything was being done to ensure a smooth integration into each country/university!

Stéphanie Baumberger, also spoke about her experience of mobility to Kenya at the University of Nairobi thanks to the Erasmus AC171 project supported by ParisTech and the enrichment she gained by comparing her teaching methods with those of Bioceb's other partner universities.

Lastly, the round table highlighted the historic commitment of agricultural education to international cooperation and the Erasmus programme, as well as the importance of the latter in building European citizenship!

LinkedIn post
Erasmus + at the International Agricultural Fair

Exploring Agriculture and Innovation: Bioceb Cohort 5 at Salon de l'Agriculture

Written by Lucy Burgess

What an exciting day for Bioceb Cohort 5 to experience the famous Salon International de l'Agriculture in Paris! An immersive event that brings together farmers, food producers, researchers, and agricultural enthusiasts from across France and around the world, it was a truly memorable experience!

Animal Encounters: From Dogs and Cats to Majestic Horses

Our day began at “Ring Chiens et Chats”, where we admired a wide variety of cat and dog breeds. Crowds gathered to admire the animals and enthusiastic breeders shared insights on responsible pet ownership. We had the chance to observe the Leonberger breed in action at the dog show, a panel of judges assessing the competition.
We continued exploring the fair and were impressed by a remarkable display of livestock, cows, sheep, goats and pigs. Farmers proudly displayed their prize-winning breeds, from the hardy Limousin cows to the famous Charolais cattle, while sheep of various breeds were being groomed for competitions.
Right next to the cattle, we witnessed how their milk is transformed into yogurt and cheese, giving us a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship behind dairy production—from farm to fork!
The equine section was equally impressive, with everything from elegant show horses to powerful draft breeds. It was clear that horses play a significant role in France's agricultural and cultural heritage.
Particularly fascinating was the donkey and mule show, which broadened our understanding of their historical significance in France, especially in labour and agriculture. The star of the show was undoubtedly a national breed of long-haired donkey, Baudet du Poitou!

A Culinary Journey: French and International Delights

Working up an appetite, we headed for the French food and wine pavilion, a paradise for food lovers. We tasted creamy Camembert from Normandy, rich foie gras from the southwest, and more than one slice of saucisson! The wine section was especially impressive, featuring Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne producers, who explained the nuances of their craft. Adding to the festive atmosphere, Breton music filled the air, with traditional bagpipes and accordions setting the tone as visitors enjoyed specialties from Brittany, buttery galettes, fresh oysters, and cider. The lively performances created an immersive experience, celebrating the deep connection between regional gastronomy and cultural heritage.
Beyond French delicacies, we explored the international food pavilion where Francophone and European stands showcased their specialties. We sampled Spanish Iberico ham, Italian truffle-infused cheeses and Moroccan spices and cakes. The diversity of flavours showcased how agriculture is a global industry, with countries exchanging knowledge, ingredients, and traditions.

Innovation and Industry: Meeting Companies Shaping the Future

The fair would not be complete without the Agricultural Service and Trades pavilion, where cutting-edge innovations are presented by leading companies and emerging startups. The pavilion showcased a diverse range of sectors, from environment and energy to forestry and wood industries. Engaging with experts from various fields gave us valuable insights into the future of sustainable agriculture and technological advancements shaping the industry.
We explored booths featuring companies at the forefront of precision farming, methanization, and agri-technology, such as automated irrigation systems and AI-powered crop monitoring. Many of the technologies we had studied in our lectures came to life in a whole new way, offering a fresh perspective on their real-world applications. It was amazing to see firsthand how these innovations are transforming agriculture.
We listened as representatives from companies engaged in discussions about the future of sustainable agriculture and the challenges of feeding a growing population. Of course, we stopped by AgroParisTech's stand to speak with our classmates and check out the virtual reality visit to Grignon Farm!

A Day to Remember
We wrapped up our day by strolling back through the French food and wine pavilion where we stumbled upon a lively brass band playing “Les Champs-Elysées”, the crowd was in high spirits, singing along. We couldn't resist the urge to join in the fun and dance!
We left the Salon de l'Agriculture, filled with admiration for the dedication of farmers, the creativity of food artisans, and the exciting possibilities in agricultural innovation. A true celebration of the evolving world of agriculture, it was a day to remember!

Green Chemistry “Rendez-vous”

2025-01-13T15:19:45Z

The Bioceb Cohort 5, jointly with Dr Marie-Charlotte Belhomme, brought together more than 130 participants including students, professors and researchers for the 2nd edition of the Green Chemistry “Rendez-vous”, held at the Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne (URCA).

The seminar highlighted recent advancements and innovative approaches to sustainable chemistry, inspiring attendees to rethink traditional practices and adapt greener alternatives.

Moderated by Bioceb Cohort 5th students – Ayesha Ghazanfar and Anvarshu Gopal, the seminar kicked off with a brief introduction to Green Chemistry and its 12 Principles, setting the stage for a day of exploration.

Pr. Stéphanie Baumberger, the coordinator of Bioceb introduced the master's program and emphasized its multidisciplinary approach and its commitment to leading the world towards sustainability.

The seminar was then followed by an interactive icebreaking activity organised by the Bioceb cohort 5, sparking engagement as attendees shared their background fields and enthusiasm for green chemistry.

The seminar was divided into two parts, with the first part dedicated to presentation by Bioceb cohort 5th students in trio/pairs - Lucy Burgess, Muhammad Faisal Afridi and Pedro J. Martinez, Anvarshu Gopal and Olga Rzeszutek, Muhammad Afaq Khan and Bazil E. Maikah, Ayesha Ghazanfar and Hoang Anh Nguyen who shared recent publications on Lignin valorisation, micellar catalysis, mechanochemistry, and CO2 utilization.

These concise 5-minute presentations provided valuable insights into the practical applications of green chemistry principles across various fields. Moderation passed to Lucy Burgess and Pedro J. Martinez; the presentations sparked engaging discussions, offering the audience a deeper understanding of the transformative potential of green chemistry. Congratulations to all the Bioceb students for their outstanding presentations!

Pedro J. Martinez, Lucy Burgess and Muhammad Faisal Afridi

Anvarshu Gopal and Olga Rzeszutek

Ayesha Ghazanfar and Hoang Anh Nguyen

Muhammad Afaq Khan and Bazil E. Maikah

The jury for the seminar consisted of esteemed experts: Pr. Stéphanie Baumberger from Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin for Plant Sciences, Coordinator of Bioceb and head of the Bioraffinerie – Chimie Verte program at AgroParisTech; Dr. Céline Guillermain, from Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de Reims and coordinator of the Master's program in Biotechnologies at URCA; Geoffroy Prevost, Project Manager at Accustica; and Dr. Angélique Rat, from Résistance Induite et Bio-protection des Plantes. Their diverse expertise brought valuable perspectives to evaluating the presentations and they awarded the prize for the best presentation to Lucy Burgess, Muhammad Faisal Afridi and Pedro J. Martinez for their outstanding work. Congratulations to them for delivering an exceptional presentation!

Pedro J. Martinez, Lucy Burgess and Muhammad Faisal Afridi

The second part of the seminar featured captivating talks from esteemed speakers, providing a deeper dive into groundbreaking advancements in green chemistry and sustainability.
• Dr. Christophe Bliard, whose presentation, "Building with CO2: A Path from Earth to the Moon," explored the role of CO2 in off-planet research and sustainable building materials.

Dr. Christophe Bliard

• Pr. Stéphanie Baumberger, who delved into lignin biorefinery with her talk, "A Cascading Biorefinery Approach Harnessing Lignin Heterogeneity," highlighting innovative strategies to transform biomass into valuable resources.

Pr. Stéphanie Baumberger

The seminar provided ample opportunities for participants to connect during coffee breaks, where they explored a curated timeline of green chemistry milestones and exchanged ideas for future collaborations.

The seminar also welcomed the attendance of Bioceb Cohort 4 students, who had previously organized the first edition of the ‘Green Chemistry Rendez vous' in collaboration with Dr. Marie-Charlotte Belhomme.

The event concluded with heartfelt remarks from the moderators and a special acknowledgment of the seminar's organizers, including a closing statement by Dr. Marie-Charlotte Belhomme.

Dr. Marie-Charlotte Belhomme

Why It Matters:
Green Chemistry is more than a scientific discipline—it is a pathway to a sustainable future. Events like this seminar underline the importance of education, collaboration and innovation in creating a resilient, environmentally friendly world.

We extend our gratitude to the speakers, jurors and attendees who made this event a resounding success. Let us continue pushing the boundaries of sustainable science for a greener tomorrow!

Bioceb Cohort 5th Students

Pictures taken by Olga Rzeszutek ; Article written by Anvarshu Gopal.

Bioceb at the Global Bioeconomy Summit #GBS2024

2024-11-04T14:52:13Z

On October 23–24, 2024, the Global Bioeconomy Summit 2024 took place for the first time in Africa, at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. Under the theme “One Planet - Sustainable Bioeconomy Solutions for Global Challenges,” this year's summit brought together over 500 in-person participants from all the continents of the globe and no less than 3,000 online participants. The discussions underscored an urgent need for sustainable, science-driven solutions in food systems and biodiversity conservation to accelerate the shift to a fossil-free economy. Participation of policymakers from different regions of the world also raised the audience's awareness of the diversity of bioeconomy systems and strategies, which makes a global approach necessary though challenging.

Among the speakers was Bioceb Coordinator, Professor Stéphanie Baumberger, who contributed to Plenary Session IV, “What Forward: Science, Partnership, Shared Responsibilities, and Joint Platforms; Bioeconomy on the Global Agenda.”

She emphasized the role of cross-continental partnerships in advancing adaptable, locally relevant solutions to strengthen food systems, taking the example of the project Biostar coordinated by the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (Cirad).

The event also featured two Bioceb alumni from the program's initial cohorts. Khaled Al-Swafey, a Talent4BBI Marie Skłodowska-Curie Ph.D. Scholar, and George William Ssendagala, a Bioeconomy Youth Champion and member of the International Advisory Council on Global Bioeconomy (IACGB). George was also a co-author of the Global Youth Bioeconomy Champions Communique, which was launched alongside the IACGB Communique at the summit's conclusion.

PDF

GBS2024-Programme 3.3 MiB

Photo Gallery

Stéphanie Baumberger took the opportunity of the summit to visit the University of Nairobi (UoN) with which AgroParisTech cooperates through a tripartite agreement signed with the University of Nairobi, CentraleSupélec and ParisTech (including AgroParisTech) in May 2023. This agreement responds to an initial call for projects launched by AFD (Agence Française de Développement) in 2019 to fund a ‘Complex of Engineering' in Nairobi and was looking for partners to help the city's university define the organisation and content of the courses to be offered there.

Stéphanie Baumberger met Prof. Catherine Nkirote Kunyanga (Associate Dean, Faculty of Agriculture) at the Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Technology.

Prof. Catherine Nkirote Kunyanga during the visit of the Faculty of Agriculture

She was welcomed by Prof. David K. Kariuki and Dr. Fredirick Mwazighe at the Chemistry Department of the Faculty of Science and Technology to give a seminar on lignin and lignocellulose as a renewable source of multifunctional plant-based ingredients.

Seminar at the Department of Chemistry of the Faculty of Science and Technology (UoN)

Bioceb students win the first place in the Bio-based Student Innovation Challenge European Finals 2024

2024-10-25T09:33:42Z

Article from Bio based Industries Consortium :

"For the second year running, a French student team has won prizes of 5,000 euros and one-year complimentary BIC membership. Team Biosurfers was chosen by the expert judging panel and will receive their prize at the BIC Networking Event on 2 October.

Team BIOSURFERS representing AgroParisTech came in first place with their innovative method for producing a biosurfactant lipopeptide, whilst eliminating some of the problems of this process. The team members of Biosurfers are Erick Cruz, Sajjad Malekzadeh, Carla Mendiola, Luisa Olarte, Rangsimatiti Saichompoo and Raffi Shakhmuradian.

Surfactants - like those often used in detergents, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and more - are often petrochemical based. Bio-based replacements, that is bio-surfactants, are becoming increasingly important as a way to lower environmental impact. However, it is difficult to commercially scale up production of lipopeptides to replace the conventional surfactants because bio-based lipopeptides come with challenges such as excessive foaming during aerobic production, alteration of surfactant properties in the presence of antifoaming agents and expensive downstream processing.

Biosurfers' competition entry focused on making an enhanced amount of the lipopeptide lichenysin through using a genetically modified strain of bacillus licheniformis. Furthermore, the process is more sustainable and reduces waste because the fermentation byproducts can be used for producing biogas.

The annual BISC-E competition is part of BIC's efforts to promote entrepreneurship in education by challenging students to propose breakthrough bio-based innovation to resolve environmental, societal or economic issues. National heats take place in several European countries. National winners compete in a first round where a jury of academic experts selects the top five. The five finalists then present to the industry expert jury and engage in Q&As."

The origin of “Biosurfers” content is based on the Green Line Project topic of Track 4, which is “Innovative Production of Microbial Lipopeptides: Lichenysin from Modified Bacillus licheniformis Strain”. The topic comes from a proposal of Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech (University of Liège) based on the work of “TERRA Teaching and Research Centre” researchers who recently started a European project CBE on the subject. After a bibliographic study dedicated to the subject during the first semester in URCA (Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne), the team began the experimental part of this GLP during the second semester of the master. They worked with the bioreactors and equipments of the joint research unit SayFood (between AgroParisTech, INRAE and Université Paris-Saclay) under the supervision of associate professors and engineers from AgroParisTech. They now continue their experimental work as well as reinforce the techno-economical study and life cycle assessment at Gembloux this semester.

It is worth mentioning that one member of the team also took part in the Erasmus + project FOEBE+ (Fostering Entrepreneurship For The Bioeconomy), coordinated by AgroParisTech.

– Article on AgroParisTech website

– Article on Agro & Chemistry website

Bioceb showcased in the 2023 AgroParisTech activity report

2024-10-02T17:18:07Z

AgroParisTech just published its 2023 activity report.

A page is devoted to Bioceb, and more specifically to the success of Bioceb students in the Bio-based Student Innovation Challenge European Finals 2023.

Full article here (in French):

PDF

BISC-E 2023 106.6 KiB

In addition, the participation and success of other Bioceb students during the European Bioeconomy Scientific Forum 2023 is also highlighted!

Full article here (in French):

PDF

EBSF 2023 119.2 KiB