New Materials

If “composites” sounds foreign to you, think again: From carbon fiber for space missions, to metal foam for data centers, new materials can build the future, and make it more sustainable. If you wonder which startups can make this happen, JEC Composites Startup Booster is your go-to. Now in its eighth edition, it will designate three winners next March, along with one winner for the sustainable dimension of its project. However, as with many competitions of this caliber, where only a handful of companies were selected among a hundred entrepreneurs, startups, and university spin-offs, each finalist is also worth knowing. This is especially true as over the years, the competition has become a true springboard for participants, thanks in big part to the support of industrial sponsors; the 2025 edition is supported by Airbus, ProxximaTM (An ExxonMobil Product) and Owens Corning as its main innovation partners, and Mercedes-Benz and Swancor as innovation partners. Meet the 20 finalists Without further ado, here’s the full list of finalists: 🇺🇸 Applied BioplasticsMaking Sustainable Commodity Plastic Affordable at Scale 🇫🇷 CAEROSTRISInnovative Composite Building System 🇨🇦 CarboMat Inc.Low-Cost Sustainable Carbon Fibers for Advanced Lightweight Composite Applications 🇬🇪 Elven TechnologiesFireproofed Lithium Batteries for EVs, Transport and Storage 🇩🇰 FiberJointsRethinking Bolted Joints for Unmatched Strength, Efficiency, and Durability 🇩🇪 Flux PolymersThe Effortless Art of Surface Functionalization 🇨🇭INCAPTEKNovel and Efficient Fire Protection Solutions for Li-Ion Batteries 🇫🇷 MCVE TechnologieSmart Reinforcing Fabrics Embedded into Composite Materials 🇪🇸 Strong by FormHigh-Performance Timber-Based Structural Composites for a Sustainable Future 🇳🇱 Tree CompositesComposite Joints for Offshore Structures 🇫🇷 ADN GroupTechnology Combining Eco-Design and the Dismantling Process of Composite Materials 🇩🇪 fibclickAutomating Tool Design: A Game-Changer for Engineering 🇫🇷 FOX CompositesEvolving Ceramic Composite Production 🇸🇬 Nandina REMThe World’s First Aviation-Grade Circular Carbon Fibre 🇨🇭NGNTSpecialized in the Development of Surface Protective Coatings 🇺🇸 Perseus Materials3D Printing Meets Pultrusion: Freeform Continuous Molding 🇬🇧 Phoenix CarbonSustainable Woven Carbon Fibre, at Half the Price of Virgin, with Identical Material Properties 🇮🇱 TemperChipTemperature Sensing at The Machined Area Prevents Overheating Damages 🇩🇰 ThiaXNon-Destructive 3D Mapping of Strain and Crystallinity in Parts 🇱🇺 Uplift360Chemical Recycling Technology for Advanced Materials If you want to hear them live, make sure to attend JEC World 2025 from March 4 to 6 and not to miss the following sessions on the Agora stage: Of course, we will also report back on the winners, so stay tuned for more updates.

Sesamers attended the ALL4PACK event in Paris, where we explored cutting-edge solutions transforming the packaging industry. From eco-friendly materials to advanced digital tools, these startups are reshaping packaging for the F&B sector and beyond. Here’s a breakdown of the innovative companies we met. Proper Packaging (Eco-Friendly Materials and Processes) Reusable and Circular Packaging Solutions Digital Tools for Packaging and Delivery Efficiency Authentication and Brand Protection Boost Your Startup’s Visibility Are you a startup in the packaging industry with a sustainable or innovative solution? List your startup here to increase visibility among key players in F&B and packaging sectors. We might also feature your startup in one of our articles !

In a recent interview with Dr. Karl-Heinz Füller, Manager Future Exterior and Materials at Mercedes-Benz AG, we learned about the company’s strategic involvement in JEC World’s Startup Booster competition. This partnership highlights Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to innovation and sustainability through advanced composite materials. Let’s explore five key takeaways from our conversation and how Mercedes-Benz is changing the future of the automotive industry. Mercedes-Benz Champions Composite Innovation at JEC World Mercedes-Benz decided to sponsor JEC World’s Startup Booster as they want to tackle material challenges in the automotive industry. Dr. Füller explained, “JEC World’s Startup Booster Competition focuses on important material issues in the global materials community.” This sponsorship gives Mercedes-Benz the chance to explore new ideas related to composites, such as natural fibers and bio-based plastics, which are essential for creating sustainable vehicles in the future. The dedication to finding innovative solutions through these partnerships indeed shows the commitment to innovation and sustainability. A Systematic Approach to Evaluating Startups at JEC World’s Startup Booster When it comes to evaluating potential innovations, Mercedes-Benz follows a detailed process to ensure alignment with their strategic goals. Dr. Füller mentioned, “At the beginning of the process, we define our core searching areas together with the JEC organization.” This structured evaluation helps Mercedes-Benz identify startups that have the potential to provide breakthrough solutions in composite technology. The collaborations often start with a “Proof of Concept” project, allowing the company to test innovative ideas before moving forward with larger applications in their vehicle designs. Composites Beyond Carbon Fiber Although carbon-fiber-reinforced composites are well-known, Dr. Füller pointed out that other composite materials, such as glass fibers and textiles, play an even more critical role in the automotive industry. “The application range is much wider and important for the automotive industry,” he said. These materials offer a variety of benefits, from reducing weight to increasing durability, helping Mercedes-Benz create vehicles that meet both performance and sustainability standards. Sustainability Through Material Optimization Sustainability is at the heart of Mercedes-Benz’s innovation strategy, and composite materials play a significant role in achieving their goals. Dr. Füller emphasized that while composites aren’t the main contributors to CO2 emissions, “we have to take care of the optimization of all materials and every single component.” By continuously improving the materials used in their vehicles, Mercedes-Benz is working towards reducing their environmental impact, which is essential as global regulations tighten and consumer demand for sustainable vehicles increases. Success Stories of Innovation in Action Mercedes-Benz’s sponsorship of JEC World’s Startup Booster has already yielded notable results. One standout example is the integration of UBQ materials into their vehicles. UBQ transforms household waste into a usable plastic compound, showcasing a significant step towards reducing dependence on fossil resources. Dr. Füller shared, “UBQ is converting household waste into a material, which can be used in a plastic compound.” This success stories illustrate the potential of innovative materials in revolutionizing the automotive industry and driving sustainability. Take your startup to the next level by applying for JEC World’s 2025 Startup Booster competition before the final deadline on October 28th. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain exposure, receive mentorship, and attract investment!