The Forest Business Accelerator has successfully brought together leading bioeconomy startups with forestry giants like SCA, attracting 54 businesses with forest innovations to Västernorrland so far.
The accelerator is now entering its eighth edition, continuing to build on the region’s long-standing tradition of forestry and its vibrant innovation ecosystem. This environment draws startups from around the world, offering them the chance to tap into the region’s extensive expertise, competence, and experience in the bioeconomy.
–We act as a catalyst, connecting startups with the right networks, opening doors, and creating opportunities for sustainable solutions, says Pelle Berglund, Business Advisor at BizMaker and Project Manager for the Forest Business Accelerator. The program not only accelerates business growth but also encourages the development of circular solutions and industrial symbiosis, where one company’s waste becomes a valuable resource for another.
The Forest Business Accelerator is a collaborative initiative between BizMaker, SCA, IBM, and Processum Biorefinery Cluster by RISE. It is designed to help promising startups with a forestry connection quickly scale their operations and succeed in the marketplace. The program provides expertise in research, business development, and digitalization for forest-related concepts and has been instrumental in fostering collaborations that benefit both startups and the forest industry.
–It’s exciting to work with this year’s participants in the accelerator. As organizers, we help young companies develop their businesses to meet real market needs. In the long run, SCA and other program partners also benefit, gaining valuable insights from the startups,” says Hans Johansson, Senior Research Specialist at SCA R&D Centre.
This year’s participants are bringing innovations to the table that range from natural dyes to biobased air filtration systems—further evidence of Västernorrland’s ability to cultivate the green solutions of the future.
Participants Autumn 2024
Allogro – Develops horticulture products from by-products in the forest industry, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions.
Alder Olmai Supernatural Colours – Creates natural colors from by-products of the forest.
Algorithm Energy – Develops software solutions for advanced wind energy management.
Adsorbi – Cellulose-based materials that capture air pollutants, reducing the climate impact of air purification.
Collecct – A digital platform that gives users control over waste and by-products.
