In this episode of the BioCircular Loop podcast, host Melina Gerdts discusses the advancements in the European circular bioeconomy, focusing on cellular agriculture and lab-grown leather. She interviews Michael Newton, CEO of Qorium, a Dutch startup pioneering lab-grown leather production. They explore the differences between European and American entrepreneurship ecosystems, the innovative processes behind lab-grown leather, and the sustainability and ethical implications of this technology. In this conversation, Michael Newton discusses the challenges and innovations within the leather industry, particularly focusing on sustainability and efficiency. He shares insights on scaling operations at Qorium, the cultural differences between the US and Europe in startup ecosystems, and offers advice for European founders. The discussion also highlights the significant environmental impact of Qorium's leather alternatives compared to traditional methods.

Useful links

• Qorium
• Dutch Startup Qorium Bags $25M to bring Lab-Grown Leather to Market
• Entrepreneurship ecosystem theory
• Pitch Perfect Bioeconomy in Brussels

In this episode of the bioCircular Loop podcast, host Melina Gerdts recaps the 2025 edition of the International Forum for Industrial Biotechnology (IFIB) with Mario Bonacorso, the organizer and Director of the Italian SPRING cluster. They explore the topics discussed, highlighting the importance of circular bioeconomy in addressing global challenges such as climate change, waste management, and geopolitical dependence. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration, innovation, and effective communication to promote the bioeconomy as a viable solution for a sustainable future. This conversation delves into the pressing need for action in the bioeconomy sector, highlighting the importance of coherent regulatory frameworks, investment opportunities, and the role of clusters in fostering innovation. The speakers discuss the competitive landscape of Europe in the global bioeconomy, the challenges posed by overregulation, and the emerging trends that are shaping the future of sustainable practices across various industries. Personal insights into the evolution of the bioeconomy and the cultural shifts necessary for its growth are also shared.

Useful links

• IFIB 2026
• il bioeconomista - keep up to date with bioeconomy news
• SPRING - Italian cluster for circular bioeconomy
• European Biosolutions Coalition
• EU Bioeconomy Strategy 2025

In this episode of the bioCircular Loop podcast, Melina Gerdts discusses the challenges of sustainable protein production with Yvain Chardonnens, CEO of Standing Ovation. They explore the environmental impact of traditional dairy farming and the innovative process of producing casein through precision fermentation. The conversation highlights the founding story of Standing Ovation, the importance of casein in dairy products, and the company's mission to revolutionize the dairy industry with animal-free alternatives.

• https://standing-ovation.co/