The Forest-based Sector Technology Platform (FTP) is pleased to highlight an opportunity for large companies and SMEs in the bio-based industries: the BIC Open Innovation Competition 2025. This initiative, led by the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC), fosters collaboration between industry leaders, SMEs, and startups to drive forward innovative solutions for key challenges in the sector.

First Challenge 2025: Metsä Group’s Call for New Bioproducts

The first challenge of 2025 is proposed by Metsä Group, that is seeking new bioproducts from softwood bark. The deadline to submit solutions is 31 March 2025.

For full details, please visit the Challenges page.

How It Works

1. Submit a Challenge: Large enterprises and medium-sized SMEs (BIC full members, categories 1 & 2) can propose a challenge to the BIC community.
2. Solution Providers Apply: SMEs, startups, and research organisations can submit their innovative solutions to the published challenge.
3. Selection Process: Up to five solution providers are shortlisted to pitch their ideas.
4. Development of Proof-of-Concept: If a winner is chosen, they will work closely with the challenge owner to refine and develop the solution over a 3 to 6-month period.
5. Financial Support: The winning solution provider will receive €10,000 to develop the proof-of-concept, half funded by BIC and half by the challenge owner.

Who Can Participate?

The competition is open only to the BIC members (Category 1 and 2 to submit a Challenge; Categories 2, 3, 4, A to propose a solution).

See more details on this page.

Submit Your Challenge Today!

The call for challenges is open year-round, allowing industry leaders to continuously seek new solutions. If you have a challenge you would like to address, submit it by filling out the challenge submission form and sending it to samuele@biconsortium.eu.

For more details on participation rules, reference documents, and submission templates, please visit the dedicated section in the BIC Members Area.

Join this exciting initiative and help shape the future of innovation in the bio-based industries!