Mushroom Material: The Future of Sustainable Packaging

Startups are often the drivers of innovation, and BioHalo, a visionary company from the Technical University of Denmark, stands out as a leader in sustainable material science. Johann Liebeton, BioHalo’s Business Development lead, recently shared the journey that led them to win JEC World’s 2024 Startup Booster competition. A Revolutionary Solution for the Environment BioHalo’s breakthrough innovation involves engineered bacteria to produce eco-friendly, high-performance polymers. These polymers aim to replace Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances(PFAS), which are notorious for their durability and harmful effects on both the environment and human health. Liebeton explained, “PFAS are indestructible and harmful to humans, with the Nordic Council of Ministers estimating the annual cost between €50 to €80 billion.” This innovation directly addresses the urgent need for sustainable alternatives in industries that rely on PFAS. The Path to JEC World’s Startup Booster BioHalo’s participation in the JEC’s Startup Booster was a strategic move. Liebeton recalls, “the first thing I did was apply to the competition. We did not know our chances, but it was worth the effort.” One of the biggest benefits was the pitch training provided by JEC, which helped him prepare for a high-profile jury keen on PFAS replacement technologies. The Impact of Winning Winning the competition proved to be a turning point for BioHalo. Liebeton vividly recalls the moment: “Being selected as winners overwhelmed me. If you watch the video, you’ll notice my genuine surprise at the win.” The victory opened up discussions with potential partners, though scaling production to meet testing demands posed challenges. However, the team is focused on reigniting those conversations as they prepare for JEC World 2025. The Future Vision for BioHalo Looking ahead, The company aims to replace PFAS in various industries within the next five years. Their vision involves scaling up eco-friendly polymer production and collaborating with forward-thinking companies eager to adopt greener materials. Liebeton reflects, “The biggest challenge is bridging the gap between research and commercialization, but we see a lot of interest in making this happen. Liebeton offers simple but essential advice for startups considering the JEC World Startup Booster: “Don’t hesitate to apply! The process is efficient, and the support from JEC and Sesamers is invaluable.” Ready to take your startup to the next level? Apply for JEC World’s 2025 Startup Booster competition before the final deadline on October 28th. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain exposure, mentorship, and investment! Cover photo by Kai Dahms on Unsplash

Eddytec, a spin-out from the University of Amsterdam, is revolutionizing carbon fibre testing with its advanced defect detection technology for aerospace, automotive, cycling, and renewable energy sectors. These conventional approaches are often slow, costly, and require specialized training, or they result in destructive testing that increases waste. Eddytec’s solution provides a faster, more affordable, and non-destructive approach to quality control, positioning it as a game-changer in carbon fibre testing. A Game-Changing Solution in Carbon Fibre Testing Eddytec’s state-of-the-art technology employs eddy currents to identify cracks and imperfections in carbon fibre composites. This advanced carbon fibre testing method speeds up measurements and simplifies data collection for technical personnel. The company’s innovation enhances usability and reduces complexity which fast-tracked their path to becoming a finalist of JEC World’s 2024 Startup Booster competition. . Eddytec’s Journey to the Startup Booster Eddytec’s strategic entry into JEC World’s Startup Booster competition was perfectly timed with the company’s growth. Spotted on the F6S platform shortly after Eddytec’s 2022 founding, this competition consequently provided excellent visibility and valuable networking opportunities. Their timely-prepared demonstrator unit showcased its cutting-edge carbon fibre testing technology at the Startup Village, gaining exposure to industry leaders and potential investors. Preparing for Success at JEC World 2024 Preparing for the JEC World Startup Booster competition required meticulous planning. Alina Chanaewa, Eddytec’s CEO & Co-founder, gained valuable insights and guidance from the JEC Startup Booster and Sesamers teams. Reflecting on the process, Chanaewa shares that “the feedback on our pitch deck was incredibly helpful and gave me the confidence to pitch in front of the seasoned jury.” This thorough preparation and rehearsal ensured a successful presentation and significantly boosted her confidence throughout the competition. Tips for Future Participants in Startup Booster For those considering participation in JEC World’s 2025 Startup Booster competition, Chanaewa offers key advice. First, schedule meetings with potential partners early for valuable collaborations. Speed networking sessions are also highly beneficial. Additionally, having a team of two—one for the stand and one for networking—greatly enhances the experience. Chanaewa emphasizes again that “preparing and practising the pitch thoroughly is essential, as it boosts confidence and performance on stage.” The Vision for the Future Eddytec envisions a future where its technology accelerates the adoption of carbon fibre composites by making them more accessible. They aim to expand its use in aerospace and other industries by reducing testing costs and simplifying maintenance. Their non-destructive testing methods will extend component lifespans, minimize waste, and promote a circular economy. Eddytec is set to lead significant advancements in carbon fibre testing, establishing new quality control and sustainability standards in the composites industry. Ready to take your startup to the next level? Apply for JEC World’s 2025 Startup Booster competition before the final deadline on October 28th. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain exposure, mentorship, and investment!

Mushroom Material is transforming the packaging industry with its eco-friendly alternative to styrofoam. “Our material matches the properties of styrofoam for impact resistance, as well as thermal and acoustic insulation while being 100% sustainable and home compostable,” explains Mushroom Material’s CEO, Shaun Seaman. This breakthrough technology, derived from mushrooms, positions Mushroom Material to meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Using their industry-first pellet method, they can scale production using existing molding machinery, ensuring seamless integration into current supply chains. From Skepticism to Finalist Mushroom Material’s rise to becoming a finalist in JEC World’s 2023 Startup Booster competition was unexpected. “Honestly, I don’t remember hearing about the competition. I was applying for anything and everything at the time,” Seaman says. Initially doubtful about the relevance of this particular competition, the team soon realized the value of the opportunity. Attending JEC World turned out to be a game-changer. “It’s been the best event I’ve attended, with excellent organization, massive exposure, and impactful 1-on-1 meetings,” Seaman confirms. Overcoming Stage Fright The pressure of presenting at a major event like JEC World can be daunting, especially for first-time participants. “This was my first real event, so it was very intimidating,” admits Seaman. However, with the support of the JEC World team, the experience was smooth. “Huge thanks to the team—they’re fantastic people and looked after us.” Despite the nerves, the pitch led to significant connections and opportunities, proving the competition’s value to their business. Pro Tips for JEC World 2025 Participants Reflecting on their experience, Mushroom Material’s founder offers advice for future participants in JEC World’s Startup Booster competition: “Make sure you have more than one person! We were overwhelmed by the number of people who wanted to connect with us after our presentation.” Bringing a team to manage networking is crucial to making the most of the event. “If I were to do it again, I’d bring one or two more people with me,” he suggests, emphasizing the importance of leveraging the networking opportunities. JEC World’s Impact on Mushroom Material One of the most memorable moments for Mushroom Material was realizing the scale of JEC World 2023. “The event was bigger than anything New Zealand has to offer,” Seaman shares. The global exposure and the opportunity to network with industry leaders were both humbling and exciting. “It was wildly memorable and had a significant impact on us,” he says, reinforcing the importance of attending international events like JEC World for startups looking to scale. The Future of Mushroom Material in Sustainable Packaging As Mushroom Material continues to grow, the company has big plans for the future. “Styrofoam is out, Mushroom Material is in. We’ll be the new household name. Watch this space,” Seaman says. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Mushroom Material is poised to lead the next wave of sustainable packaging in the composites industry. Over the next five years, they aim to become a key player in replacing styrofoam with environmentally friendly, compostable alternatives. Ready to take your startup to the next level? Apply for JEC World’s 2025 Startup Booster competition before the final deadline on October 28th. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain exposure, mentorship, and investment!